Wireless power harvesting and transmission with heterogeneous signals

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a wireless power system which includes components which can be recharged by harvesting wireless power, wireless power transmitters for transmitting the power, and devices which are powered from the components. Features such as temperature monitoring, tiered network protocols including both data and power communication, and power management strategies related to both charging and non-charging operations, are used to improve performance of the wireless network. Rechargeable batteries which are configured to be recharged using wireless power have unique components specifically tailored for recharging operations rather than for providing power to a device. A wireless power supply for powering implanted devices benefits from an external patient controller which contains features for adjusting both power transmission and harvesting provided by other components of the wireless power network.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/078,318, filed Mar. 23, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,843,230, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/749,762 filed Jun. 25,2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,318,898, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/219,737 filed Aug. 29, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.9,101,777, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/131,886 filed, Jun. 2, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,115,448, entitled“Systems and Methods for Wireless Power”, which claims the benefit ofU.S. provisional application 60/977,086 filed on Oct. 2, 2007, entitled“Systems and Methods for Wireless Power”, U.S. provisional application60/941,286 filed on Jun. 1, 2007, entitled “Systems and Methods forWireless Power”, and U.S. provisional application 60/941,287 filed onJun. 1, 2007, entitled “Power generation for implantable devices”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is generally in the field of wireless power transmittersand receivers.

A number of technologies have recently evolved for providing wirelesspower according to various schemes. In U.S. Pat. No. 7,027,311, systemsand methods are described for wireless power systems and methodsapplicable to both near-field (i.e., induction) and mid-to-far-fieldtransmission/reception of power. PowerCast (www.powercastco.com)provides a wireless receiver (‘harvester’) which is capable ofconverting RF energy which is either ambient due to, for example,remotely generated radio transmissions, or which can be activelytransmitted by a PowerCast power transmitter. Technologies promoted byother companies (e.g. www.splashpower.com; www.wildcharge.com;www.ecoupled.com) rely primarily upon inductive coupling technologies,and may utilize an inductive pad (e.g. a ‘Splashpad’) which transmitspower to receiver surfaces within the device that is to be powered.Another technology for transmitting energy over midrange distances(e.g., 9-20 feet or so) utilizes a non-radiative resonant energytransfer in which the transmitter and receiver are both tuned to thesame MHz-range frequency through use of resonant beacons (e.g., Karalis,A, Joannopoulos, J. D. and Soljaci, M, Efficient wireless non-radiativemid-range energy transfer (2006), also seehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless energy transfer for review). Manyof the features of the current invention are relevant to providingadvantages across these different modes of providing wireless power.

Wireless technologies using either induction or mid-/far-fieldtransmission must often address issues such as identifying devices to becharged so that these can be charged according to protocols that addresstheir needs and capacities. In the case of inductive coupling, relativeorientation of transmission/reception surfaces of devices are especiallyimportant in order to ensure correct and efficient transmission of powerwithout shorts, surges, or ineffective transmission/reception. Somerecent advances have addressed these issues in order to create deviceswhich are more user friendly and less prone to power-transfer failure.The currently existing eCoupled technology includes an inductivelycoupled power circuit that dynamically seeks resonance with receivingdevices: the primary circuit is able to adapt its operation to match thecharacteristics of the load(s) receiving circuit. The power supplycircuit automatically attempts to optimize efficiency by establishingresonance between the primary and secondary coils for any given load.Communication between the transmitter and individual receiving devicescan occur in real time, which allows the technology to determine notonly power needs but other power characteristics of the receivingdevice. For example factors such as age of a battery, number of charginglifecycles, time since last charge, resistance to certain temporalcharge-patterns and other characteristics of power provided, can beestablished in order to realize improved power supply and efficiency.Resonance-seeking strategies also allow some freedom in positioning thesecondary (i.e. harvesting/receiving) relative to the primary(transmitting) components of devices while maintaining efficienttransmission of electrical power. Existing inductive technologies havethereby overcome a number of traditional limitations which havepreviously impeded wider reliance of inductive power, such as spatialrigidity, static loads and unacceptable power losses by adapting tovarious loads (e.g., both low- and high-power demands), and lack of userfriendliness. Using these new schemes, energy transfer efficiency can beincreased over conventional inductive coupling to result in power lossesas low as 10%. This makes some wireless technologies comparable tohardwired connections in terms of energy costs. Much of the safetyissues have also been overcome, allowing these new inductivetechnologies to come much closer to, and even surpass, safety issuesthat match conventional ‘wired’ charging methods.

Some related technologies for transmission and reception, which can beutilized by the current invention, have been filed by Powercast andinclude patent applications for example, US20070010295 entitled ‘Powertransmission system, apparatus and method with communication’;US20060281435 entitled ‘Powering devices using RF energy harvesting’;US20060270440 entitled ‘Power transmission network’; US20060199620entitled ‘Method, apparatus and system for power transmission’;US20060164866 entitled ‘Method and apparatus for a wireless powersupply’; US20050104453 entitled ‘Method and apparatus for a wirelesspower supply’; US20070117596, entitled ‘Radio-frequency (RF) powerportal’; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,027,311, entitled ‘Method and apparatus fora wireless power supply’, which increases power reception by harvestingacross a collection of frequencies.

Some related technologies filed by eCoupled include, for example,Inductive Coil Assembly (U.S. Pat. No. 6,975,198; U.S. Pat. No.7,116,200; US 2004/0232845); Inductively Powered Apparatus (U.S. Pat.No. 7,118,240 B2; U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,126,450; 7,132,918; US 2003/0214255);Adaptive Inductive Power Supply with Communication (US 2004/0130915);Adaptive Inductive Power Supply (US 2004/0130916); Adapter (US2004/0150934); Inductively Powered Apparatus (US 2005/0127850; US2005/0127849; US 2005/0122059; US 2005/0122058. Splashpower has obtainedU.S. patents such as U.S. Pat. No. 7,042,196.

Other relevant art includes, US20050194926 entitled, ‘Wireless batterycharger via carrier frequency signal’; U.S. Pat. No. 6,127,799, entitled‘Method and apparatus for wireless powering and recharging; U.S. Pat.No. 6,856,291 entitled ‘Energy harvesting circuits and associatedmethods; 20060238365 entitled ‘Short-range wireless power transmissionand reception’; US20040142733 entitled ‘Remote power recharge forelectronic equipment’; U.S. Pat. No. 6,967,462 entitled ‘Charging ofdevices by microwave power beaming’; U.S. Pat. No. 7,084,605, entitled‘Energy harvesting circuit’; U.S. Pat. No. 7,212,414 entitled ‘Adaptiveinductive power supply’ and describes a power transmitter whichautomatically adjusts its power transmission based upon sensed resonancewith power receivers which it may charge; US20079178945 entitled ‘Methodand system for powering and electric device via a wireless link’,describes rectifier circuitry, which may include Germanium-basedrectifiers as well as those based upon silicon, gallium arsenide, andother semiconductor materials, and further utilizes a pair of diodes topermit a rechargeable battery to be charged by either a wire chargingunit or signals received by the receiving antenna; US2007176840 entitled‘Multi-receiver communication system with distributed aperture antenna’,provides for an antenna with holes configured to produce low level localpower fields; U.S. Pat. No. 6,664,770 entitled ‘Wireless powertransmission system with increased voltage output’, is for increasedpower reception and provides a radio-signal shaped to allow thereceiving circuitry to operate towards this purpose; US20060204381entitled ‘Adapting portable electrical devices to receive powerwirelessly’, describes solutions for universally incorporating wirelesspower into devices such as cellular phones without requiring buy-in fromthe original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The ‘universal adapters’suggested therein must be configured to work with various unique devicesrather than truly being universal. While this solution avoids effortsfor the OEM, it also requires that these ‘universal adapters’ come in asmany shapes and sizes as there are batteries for the devices;WO2007084717 entitled ‘Method and apparatus for delivering energy to andelectrical or electronic device via a wireless link’, describes use of adirectional antenna and tracking system for adjusting the direction ofthe beamed energy; and, US20070021140 entitled ‘Wireless powertransmission systems and methods’ describes providing wireless data andpower in a factory environment. All of these patents and patentapplications are incorporated by reference herein and describetechnologies which will be generally treated here as wireless powersystems that relate to the invention including wireless powertransmission and wireless power reception.

These new wireless power systems are still hindered by a number ofissues. Most embodiments oblige manufacturers to incorporate thewireless harvesting technologies into their devices, requiring ‘buy in’from large original equipment manufacturers. Similar to the issues whichhave plagued utilization of compact discs, and cord adapters used bydifferent devices, the standards, protocols, and features of wirelesstransmitting and receiving devices may vary greatly between companies.Systems and methods are needed for adapting wireless power technologiesto ‘open’ rather than ‘closed’ platforms, allowing the adaptation ofwireless power to occur without manufactures tying themselves and theirproduct designs to particular wireless technologies, protocols, and thelike. Further, when transmission of data and power are both provided ina wireless manner, the integrity of both types of transmission should beensured, especially in the case of medical related applications.Additionally, recharging operations should interfere minimally withnormal operations of devices that rely upon wireless power.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention system, a wireless powersupply is provided which can be recharged by wireless power and does notrequire modification of devices within which the wireless power supplyis used.

When the wireless power supply is realized in a ‘wireless-battery’ or‘wireless power-pack’, this can be used with wireless power deviceswithout requiring modification of the devices including the devicecircuitry, power storage compartments, software, displays, controls,operation or accessories.

When the wireless power supply is realized in a ‘wireless-battery’ or‘wireless power-pack’, this can be used with wireless power devices inconjunction with modifications of the devices including the devicecircuitry, adapters for the power storage compartments, device software,displays, controls, operations and device accessories.

When the wireless power supply is realized in a ‘wireless-power’battery, this battery can be realized with a set of re-chargingcontacts which are distinct from the traditional battery terminals, andare partially or solely used for recharging operations. Further thewireless power battery can be configured for communication with awireless charging apparatus, for example, to communicate a signalreflective of power level or operational status.

The present invention system contains a wireless power supply, which canbe recharged by wireless power and which adapts the transmission ofpower provided by a power transmitter to augment the power that isreceived and harvested.

The present invention system contains a wireless power supply which canbe recharged by wireless power and which further uses conventionalinterface ports such as a USB port for transmission of power and data.

The present invention system contains a device having a wireless powersupplier/transmitter which can be recharged by wireless power and whichcan also be configured for wire-based data communication.

The present invention system contains a wireless power supply which canbe recharged by wireless power and which is configured to be used withconventional rechargeable batteries.

The present invention system contains a wireless power supply which canbe recharged by wireless power and which also provides for de-chargingand re-charging to occur as a maintenance operation and promoteincreased battery performance and lifespan.

The present invention system is a wireless power supply which can berecharged by wireless power and which also provides for parameterestimation, which can be used to alter charging operations, so thatunwanted results are deterred, such as temperature parameters exceedinga selected range, said unwanted temperature range being related tocharging or to discomfort of a patient, if the wireless power receiveris implanted in a patient.

The present invention system has a wireless power harvester andtransmitter, each of which may be configured primarily for directionalor non-directional antennae.

The present invention system comprises a wireless power system havingcomponents that are configured for monitoring or transmitting dataand/or receiving data through AC power-lines.

The present invention system comprises a wireless data-power system inwhich the wireless data transmission operations; the wireless powertransmission operations; and the interrupt requests issued by differentcomponents of the system are assigned priority based upon priorityfactors such as the type of information or operations which areoccurring or which are scheduled to occur. The wireless transmission ofdata and power can include operation of a medical device, an implantedmedical device, a patient controller, and instrumentation and tools usedduring surgery or within the emergency/intensive care unit of ahospital.

These and other preferred embodiments, objects and advantages of thisinvention will become obvious to a person of ordinary skill in this artupon reading of the detailed description of this invention including theassociated drawings as presented herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a preferred wireless transmitter and receiver systemconfigured for increasing wireless energy transfer, and is configuredwith a secondary receiver and secondary transmitter.

FIGS. 1B-1C illustrate preferred methods of using a wireless transmitterand receiver system.

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrates alternative block diagrams of power harvestersconfigured to achieve different advantages.

FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic diagram of two AA batteries containedwithin an AA series-type storage housing.

FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic diagram of the present inventionwireless power-pack having a harvesting module and a rechargeableprimary battery which can be recharged from the harvesting module.

FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic diagram of two AA batteries residingwithin an AA parallel-type storage housing.

FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic diagram of the present inventionwireless power-pack configured to reside within an AA parallel-typestorage housing.

FIG. 4C illustrates a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention wireless power-pack configured to reside within anAA parallel-type storage housing.

FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic diagram of the present inventionwireless power-pack comprising a harvesting module and a rechargeableprimary battery, and configured for charging the primary battery,providing power directly to a device, and jointly powering a device.

FIG. 5B illustrates a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention wireless power-pack comprising a 1st harvestingmodule configured for charging the primary battery, a 2nd harvestingmodule configured for at least one of charging the secondary battery,providing power directly to a device, and jointly powering a device.

FIG. 5C illustrates a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention wireless power-pack wherein the primary andsecondary battery are oriented in opposite directions.

FIG. 5D illustrates a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention wireless harvesting device comprising a 1stharvesting module, a 2nd harvesting module, and a rechargeable primarybattery each of which provide an output terminal.

FIG. 6A illustrates a schematic diagram of a rechargeable battery havinga surface configured for wireless power reception.

FIG. 6B illustrates a schematic diagram of a rechargeable battery havinga plurality of surfaces configured to work in conjunction with theillustrated wireless harvester module accessory.

FIG. 6C illustrates a schematic diagram of a ‘near-to-far’ wirelessharvester module, which can also be considered an induction to RF energyconverter.

FIG. 6D illustrates a schematic diagram of a power harvesting accessorywith an accessory port which is attached to an audio-device which hereis an MP3 player.

FIG. 7A illustrates a schematic diagram of a power harvesting moduleimplemented within a traditional “wall plug” type of charger.

FIG. 7B illustrates a schematic diagram of a power harvesting moduleimplemented within a traditional USB interface charger.

FIG. 7C illustrates transmitter configured to be plugged into an ACpower outlet which supplies power not only to the transmitter but alsoto an accessory power outlet configured to receive the plug of a deviceand to provide AC or DC power to this device. The transmitter is alsoconfigured with a power transmitter control PTC module.

FIG. 7D illustrates a schematic diagram of a socket-transmitter whichfits into conventional light socket outlet.

FIG. 8A illustrates a block diagram of example functional modules of awireless harvester such as a wireless power-pack harvester device.

FIG. 8B illustrates a block diagram of example functional modules of awireless transmitter device.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate 4 charts of transmission schedules for power anddata transmission.

FIGS. 10 and 11A-11B illustrate wireless power-pack embodiments whichaddress issues of recharging and temperature issues.

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate 4 power harvester module circuit designs to beused in wireless power-packs.

FIGS. 13A-13E illustrate power pads configured for biasing andorganizing devices for which the pad will serve as a wirelessrechargeable power supply.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Systems and Methods for Improving Wireless Power Provided in WirelessPower Systems

FIG. 1A shows a first wireless power receiver (PR1) 10A and firstwireless power transmitter (PT1) 12A which are configured with antennae14A and 16A respectively. The PR1 10A and the PT1 12A can each containsensor modules, 18A and 18B, respectively which are capable of derivingan energy profile. An energy profile comprises an estimation across aspecified interval, of at least one characteristic of a signal relatedto wireless power, such as amplitudes, phases, or spectral content of awireless power signal. The PR1 10A is able to use its energy harvestingmodule 30 to harness wireless energy signals which exist in an ambientmanner (S1) or energy signals which are transmitted by components of thewireless power system (S2) such as by the PT1 12A. The sensor module 18Aof the PR1 10A can be configured to sense energy profiles and inparticular a characteristic such as the phase of various types ofambient spectral energy (e.g. 70 Hz refresh rate of a computer display).The power receiver control module 38A of PR1 10A can then operate thetransmission and communication module 36A to transmit this informationto the PT1 12A (which receives this information using its transmissionand communication module 36B), so that it may adjust a profile of thetransmitted energy, such as the phase of the transmitted energy S2 whichis subsequently provided in order to increase the probability that powerharvesting will be improved for example, the two types of energy signalsS1 and S2 add constructively rather than destructively in the locationof the PR1 10A. This process is shown in the method of FIG. 1B in whichstep 400 occurs at PR1 10A (in this case system component #1) and theinformation is transmitted 402 to PT1 (component #2 in this example),which then adjusts its operation 406A such as the parameters of theenergy to be transmitted. This strategy may also work when two or moreenergy transmitters (PT1 & PT2) are used in a wireless power system (viasteps 404, and 406B). Alternatively, the power transmitter 12A canoperate its energy profile sensor 18B to detect the spectral profile ofambient energy S1 (e.g. frequency, magnitude and phase characteristics)and adjust the characteristics of the transmitted energy S2 which ittransmits in order to cause power harvesting to be improved, forexample, an intended summation of the phases of signals S1 and S2,especially with respect to the reception of energy by PR1 10A. Furtherthe energy profile sensor 18B of the power transmitter 12A can monitorthe mains line power signal either as that which is received by itsantenna 16A or by monitoring the AC power which it receives directlyfrom the wall socket which is normally powering the energy storagemodule 34B of the PT1 12A (this monitoring can assess the amplitude andphase of the AC power and can also detect command signals which may betransmitted over the power network as will be described further). Inorder to increase the environmental friendliness of the system, an AC/DCconverter can be implemented within the energy harvesting module 30 orthe energy storage module 34, or within another module of the device andcan be shut off by the PTC 39 so that the device operates in “powersaving mode” when energy transmission is not occurring if the energystorage module 34 contains a rechargeable storage cell.

In some instances the energy which is locally transmitted (S2) may havea similar energy signature to energy which is ambient. Such an exampleis 50 or 60 Hz mains line energy, energy from other wireless powertransmitters, energy from cordless phones, cellular or microwavetransmitters, etc. Ambient energy strength may change depending uponlocation. For example, when a power receiver 10A is located outdoorsthen ambient RF energy S1, such as that transmitted by radio-towers, maybe several orders of magnitude larger than mains-line energy, while whenthe PR1 10A is located indoors, the opposite situation can occur. Thepower transmitter 12 may transmit energy S2 using a carrier of 50 or 60Hz energy, or may use a carrier of a much higher frequency and canmodulate this energy at a slower rate such as at 50 or 60 Hz. in thiscase, there is a risk that transmitted energy signals S2 having energy(or rectified energy) at 50-60 Hz will be out of phase with the ambient60 Hz energy signals 51, leading to destructive interference and asubsequent decrease in energy harvesting by the device 10A. In the bestcase, the peaks 6A of the ambient energy 51 will combine with the peaks8A of the transmitted energy S2 (especially at the site of theharvesting antenna). Rather than 50 or 60 Hz energy, the ambient energymay be much faster, for example, in the Megahertz or Gigahertz range.Although the antenna required to receive power at 50 or 60 Hz may berelatively large, line energy is used in this example both because it isrelatively common and also because fractal-based antennae may besufficiently well designed that this energy is sufficient for harvestingby smaller scale antennae.

FIG. 1A further shows a first power receiver (PR1) 10A and a first powertransmitter (PT1) 12A and a second power transmitter (PT2) 12B. The PT2may transmit energy signals S3 which is preferred to realize a desiredrelationship with ambient energy signals S1, and transmitted energysignals S2. The desired relationship can be that S3 is approximatelyin-phase especially with respect to the reception of these signals atPR1 10A, or the parameters of S3 energy profile can be selected so thatS3 uses a different band of energy than is supplied in S2, or otherdesired feature. The PR1 12A contains an antenna 16A, and an energyprofile sensor 18B, and can sense the energy signal S3 profile in orderto adjust a parameter (e.g., the phase or frequency range) of the energysignal it subsequently transmits as S2. Additionally, the PR1 10A cancontain a sensor 18A which can compute energy profiles of at least oneof S1, S2 and S3. If these are of the same frequency, these may beuniquely measured at independent times, during a calibration routinethat is provided by a cooperation of the power receiver control 38A andat least one power transmitter control 39A, 39B of the first or secondpower transmitter device 12A, 12B. In this case the controls cause theimplementation of a power calibration routine which can occur as perFIG. 1B, in which steps 400, 402, and 406A occur at time 1, and then400, 400, 406B occur at time 2, so that the contribution of the powersent by each transmitted can be independently assessed by the PR1 10A.Obviously this strategy can be extended to the case where there areseveral receivers and transmitter in the wireless power network. Thepower transmitter control 39 can provide means for turning the powertransmitter on and off both manually and due to wireless commandsignals.

Systems and Methods for Increasing Wireless Power Reception by ImplantedSystems.

FIG. 1A further shows a first power receiver (PR1) 10A and a secondpower receiver (PR2) 10B and power transmitter (PT1) 12A. The secondpower receiver PR2 10B contains an antenna 14B, a sensor 18D, and atransmitter 36D. In one embodiment, the PR2 10B can be different thanthe PR1 10A in that its power receiver controller 38B can containmodules and algorithms that are used for assessing energy profilesassociated with different power transmission schemes implemented by thetransmitter PT1 12A. The power receiver controller 38B can also containa memory which stores parameters (such as amounts of power received ascan occur in step 408) for different harvesting operational settingsthat are implemented by the energy harvesting module 30. For example,the PR2 10B can coordinate its operation with the operation of thetransmitter 12A and can assess how much power is obtained when thetransmitter 12A transmits power signals S2 using different transmissionstrategies and transmitted power signals. Alternatively, the PR2 10B canmeasure ambient (and/or transmitted) energy signals and can alter theharvesting parameter values settings used by the energy harvestingmodule 30D, in order to attempt to improve harvesting of these energysignals (in a similar fashion to that done by modules 200, 214, 216 and224 of FIG. 8A). Based upon these optimization tests (i.e. systemcalibration), the power harvesting settings used by the energyharvesting modules 30D and 30A (of PR1 and PR2), and/or transmissionsettings used by PT1 (and PT2) can be adjusted to improve performance.The PR2 can contain a power harvesting module 30D which provides powerwhich can be stored or may only relay power signals to a sensor 18D thatis part of a power energy profile module (as may occur if its energystorage module 34 is powered by other means, such as a battery or solarpower). The use of a second power receiver device 10B, is beneficial ina number of applications such as when the first power receiver 10A isembodied within a device such as an implanted medical device. In thiscase, the optimization/calibration routines and communication betweenthe power-receiver 10B and at least one power transmitter 12A canrequire ample power and circuitry, which may not be easily realizable byan implanted device. By configuring the system so that a second powerreceiver 10B is situated external to the patient (e.g. existing as partof an external device (EXD) which is a pager sized patient programmer),the power receiver 10 a which resides within the patient is not requiredto utilize power, computational, or other resources that are related tooptimization/calibration, and does not require a design incorporatingthe associated circuitry.

When the second power receiver 10B is implemented in an EXD, the EXD canbe configured to assess the efficiency of different powertransmission/reception configurations 410 (which may includecommunicating with a power transmitter 12A) and to select whichconfiguration is best before transmitting this information to animplanted device 411B (if this is necessary) which relies upon powerreceiver 10A and to power transmitter 12A so that this configuration maybe relied upon. The EXD can also be configured with a number ofadditional advantageous features such as those shown in modules of FIG.8A. The EXD can measure the energy profile of energy harvested over timeby power receiver 10B and to issue a patient alert signal 420 (viamodule 222) if the energy is not above a minimum selected level. The EXDcan also enable the patient to provide patient input which is used foradjusting the operation of the first and second power receiver devices10A, 10B, and power transmitter device 12A. For example, if the patientsees from a graphical display on the EXD that not much power is beingreceived, then the patient may manually select another power-protocolwhich involves adjusting at least one of the transmission andharvesting. If a patient adjusts the power-protocol from ‘protocol A’ to‘protocol B’ then this may require synchronizing operations of the powertransmitter device 12A and the implanted power receiver device 10A (viacommunication steps 411 a and 411 b). Accordingly, the EXD can alsooperate the second power receiver device 10B to synchronize operationsof the power transmitter device 12A and the implanted power receiverdevice 10A. Allowing the EXD to manage and control the timing andsynchronized operation of the implanted device and the power transmittercan be based upon the operations of an implanted device powered by thefirst power receiver device, and may include the EXD controlling theother components of the system based upon scheduled events in thetreatment regimen of the implanted device.

Systems and Methods for Optimizing Power Generation in Wireless PowerSystems.

While the power receiver of FIG. 1A can be embodied in a number ofmanners (e.g. FIG. 8A), some preferred embodiments can utilize portionsand combinations of any of the designs illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E. FIG.2A shows a wireless power receiver module 10A which contains an energyharvester module 30 configured for harvesting RF energy. An energyprofile module 32 is configured for calculating, in a fixed orprogrammable manner, at least one of the following: current andhistorical energy profiles for selected spectral energy bands; currentenergy conversion rates; a history of energy conversion rates; profilesof different energies which are ambient in the local environment; and,profiles of at least one transmitted energy signal (transmitted by acomponent of the wireless system) having a selected frequency range. Anenergy storage module 34 can contain at least a first rechargeablebattery or at least one capacitor and may also include a second batterywhich may also be rechargeable and which may be similar to the primarybattery or may have a different chemistry, size, capacity, or othercharacteristic compared with the primary battery. Further, the energystorage module 34 can have energy monitoring and charging circuitrywhich can be configured to recharge either both batteries, or only onebattery, simultaneously or alternating at different moments in time,and/or according to a schedule. For example, recharging may only bescheduled (e.g., by an EXD device) to occur when a medical device,powered by the energy storage module 34, is not scheduled to monitoractivity or provide therapy (e.g., recharging can occur only duringtimes when a patient is normally asleep). The energy storage module canrecharge one battery and simultaneously supply power to the device, orthis can be done by a second battery which is not being recharged. Atransmitter/communication module 36 can provide for data transmission,reception, and can generally provide for communication with deviceswhich are a part of the wireless power system (network), including oneor more power transmitters 12. A power receiver control module 38, whichmay be programmable, can control all of the other modules of the powerreceiver module 10A.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, a single signal antenna 14C is used bothfor energy harvesting and for deriving an energy profile. The powerreceiver control module 38 can electronically disconnect the energyprofile module 32 from the antenna 14C so that all the received energyflows to the energy harvesting module 30A. Although connections are onlyshown between the antenna 14C and modules 30A and 32, the antenna andall the modules of the power receiver module 10A can be functionallyconnected to, and controlled by, the PRC 38. The particular connectionsshown in FIG. 2A, are shown to highlight unique features of thatembodiment, as is the case for FIGS. 2B-2E. The data communication andtransmission module 36 may also be connected to the antenna 14C eitherdirectly, or via a connection that travels through the circuitry adifferent module, such as the energy profile module 32. If the antenna14C contains any adjustable elements such as variable programmableresistors which can be used to alter the resonance of the antenna (i.e.,the properties of the ‘rectenna’), then these can be controlled by thePRC 38.

In one embodiment, the energy profile module 32 analyzes energy profilesand determines the (harvesting/transmission) settings which wouldoptimize the wireless energy available. The PRC can then adjust thecharacteristics of the energy harvester module 30 (such as spectralranges of energy which are harvested, or temporal patterns across whichenergy is being received or transmitted by a wireless transmitter 12) inorder to improve wireless power harvesting. Since different companiesmay provide transmitters that transmit energy at different frequenciesand using different protocols, the functionality of determining howwireless energy is being transmitted is important for increasing theuniversal utility of energy harvesting systems. When information aboutthe transmission protocol is communicated by a transmitter either aspart of the power signal or as a separate data stream, then the module32 can decode this information rather than sensing and deriving thecharacteristics of the energy. Further, the PRC 38 can change thecharacteristics used for data transmission (when the PRC is in a devicethat transmits data) based upon such factors as the characteristics ofthe power transmission profiles. For example, when wireless energy istransmitted at 900 MHz then data may be transmitted at 2.4 GHz. While,in another protocol, if power is transmitted at 60 Hz, then data can betransmitted at 900 MHz. Being able to assess the characteristics of thewireless power which is being transmitted can enable the power receiverdevice to adjust its energy harvesting operations, or can enable thereceiver to send information to the power transmitter 12 in order toadjust the protocol of the data transmission module. In one illustrativeembodiment, the energy profile module 32 analyzes energy profiles anddetermines the settings which would optimize the wireless energyavailable. The PRC 38 can then use the transmitting module 36 to senddata or commands to a power transmitter 12, which can use thisinformation to adjust the energy transmission profile which determinesthe characteristics of the energy it is transmitting. This may occurwith a calibration routine in which several transmission parameters areiteratively adjusted, and evaluated, and then the parameter values whichresulted in improved power harvesting can be used (see FIG. 1B-1C). Thistype of calibration operation can occur periodically, can beautomatically or patient initiated by way of the EXD, or can betriggered if power harvesting falls below a selected level, which canoccur, for example, when the energy harvester is implanted within apatient who is moving to different locations at different times.

FIG. 2B shows a wireless power receiver module 10B having an antenna 14Dfunctionally communicating with an energy harvesting module 30A, and anantenna 14E functionally communicating with an energy profile module 32.The antenna 14E can be used for deriving energy profiles, and can befunctionally utilized by the energy harvesting module 30A when this isnot necessary. In one embodiment the antenna 14E can be configuredespecially for sensing over a wide range of spectral energies, as wellas, or with priority over, having characteristics related to harvestingpower.

FIG. 2C shows a wireless power receiver module 10C having an antenna 14Ffunctionally communicating with an energy harvesting module 30A, andalso serving as an antenna 14F for the energy profile module 32, whenthis communication is established through the circuitry of the energyharvesting module 30A. Alternatively, or additionally, the energyharvester module 30A can send power to the energy profile module 32, andthe energy profile module can measure this power to monitor powerconversion which occurs as a function of different types of ambient ortransmitted energy signals.

FIG. 2D shows a wireless power receiver module 10D having an antenna 14Gfunctionally communicating with an first energy harvesting module 30A,and an antenna 14H functionally communicating with an second energyharvesting module 30B. The first and the second energy harvestingmodules 30A and 30B can be designed to harvest different types ofwireless energy efficiently (e.g. energy from different portions of theRF spectrum). For example, energy harvesting module 30A can be used toharvest energy in the 900 MHz frequency range, while energy harvestingmodule 30B can be used to harvest energy in the 2.4 GHz range.Alternatively energy harvester module 30A can be configured fornear-field induction-type wireless energy harvesting, while energyharvester module 30B, can be configured for non-near-field wirelessenergy harvesting (an may operate with a different protocol).Alternatively, energy harvester module 30A can be configured forstrong-signal wireless energy harvesting (e.g. transmitted energy withstructured energy signature), while energy harvester module 30B, can beconfigured for weak-field wireless energy harvesting (e.g., ambientenergy of diffuse energy signature). Additionally, energy harvestermodule 30A can be configured for inductive near-field wireless energyharvesting, while energy harvester module 30B, can be configured formedium-range wireless energy harvesting. Alternatively, energy harvestermodule 30A can be configured for energy harvesting related to powersupply recharging operations, while energy harvester module 30B, can beconfigured for energy harvesting related to directly powering a devicefor functional operation. Use of two different energy harvesting modules30A, 30B can also be configured to differentially charge different typesof rechargeable batteries (e.g. some medical devices have two differenttypes of cells for performing different operations) in different mannersusing circuitry which produces at least partially unique poweringcharacteristics, such as voltage or current ranges. This type ofconfiguring may be especially important when two or more batteries ofdifferent capacities, chemistries, and/or characteristics are providedin the energy storage module 34. When multiple batteries do not havematching capacities or characteristics then jointly charging these maylead to unexpected results and reduced efficiencies.

FIG. 2E shows a wireless power receiver module 10E having an antenna 14Iwhich normally communicates with a first energy harvesting module 30A,and an antenna 14J which normally communicates with a second energyharvesting module 30B, both passing through a signal router 42, whichcan be controlled by the PRC 38 or otherwise. Modules 30A and 30B caneach be primarily designed to harvest energy in a particular range, orwhich is transmitted in a particular manner. However, in the case wherethe transmitted energy is biased so that energy is primarily beingharvested by one or the other energy harvesting module 30A, 30B then thesignal router 42 can route both antenna 14I, 14J, to only one of theenergy harvesters 30A, 30B. The signal router 42 can also be used toconnect the antenna 14I, 14J to energy profile modules, transmissionmodules, and other modules of the wireless power device 10E (connectionsnot shown in figure to avoid cluttering), or to the device within whichthe power receiver module 10E is functioning (e.g. to the circuitry of acell-phone, implanted medical device, radio, or other powered device).Although signal-router 42 is realized here as outside of the PR module10E, and as attached to antennae 14I, 14J, the router can be implementedwithin the module, or the housing of the module, as is also the case forthe antennae.

Open Systems and Methods for Wireless Power.

Systems and methods are needed for generic implementation of wirelesspower systems. Rather than requiring manufacturers or consumers to “buyinto” brand specific standards, and circuits (i.e. ‘closed system’implementation), various embodiments can allow ‘open’ systems andmethods to be used, leading to more universal utilization of wirelesspower devices.

FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic diagram of two AA batteries 50A, 50Bwhich reside within a conventional storage housing 52 for AA“serial-type” storage. Each battery 50 has a positive (‘+’) and negative(‘−’) region 54A and 54B, ending in a positive terminal 56A and negativeterminal 568, respectively. The positive terminal 56A communicates to apositive terminal contact 58A of the compartment, and the negativeterminal 56B communicates to a negative terminal contact 58B. As is wellknown these contacts may be a conductive spring, flexible leaf member,or may be simply rigid. When more than one battery 50 occurs in series,then the positive terminal 56A of one battery 50A may contact thenegative terminal 56B of another battery 50B rather than communicatingto a positive terminal contact 58A. An example of a device that mayimplement this type of configuration is a small flashlight.

The batteries 50 can be alkaline batteries such as the MN1500-LRS madeby Duracell which produces 1.5 volts, or can be rechargeable usingLithium Ion (e.g., polymer) or Nickel metal-hydride NIMH, such as theDR-10 made by Duracell. The batteries 50 can also be D, C, AAA, N, 9V,or other type of battery housed in a respectively appropriate storagehousing 52. The storage housing 52 can be configured to hold 1, 2, 3, 4,6, 8, or any other number of these batteries, as well as batteries thatare cylindrical, button, stack, coin, lantern prismatic, bulk packaged,or of other geometry. Accordingly, the shape of the wirelessrechargeable-power supply device 60 of FIG. 3B is realized so as toreside within one of these storage housing 52 geometries withoutrequiring a modification of the device or the housing 52. Thepower-supply device 60 may be less than the length of the embodimentillustrated, for example, preferably half as long.

FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic diagram of the present inventionwireless rechargeable-power supply device 60 having a harvesting module62 and a rechargeable primary battery 64 which can be recharged from theharvesting module 62. The rechargeable primary battery 64 has a positive(‘+’) and negative (‘−’) regions 66A, 66B, ending in positive terminals56A and negative terminals 56B, respectively. A positive side junction68 can electrically connect the power harvester 62 directly to thepositive terminal 56A (for directly powering a device), or can connectthe positive side 66A of the primary battery 64 directly to the positiveterminal 56A (for powering the device from the battery), or both. Thepositive side junction 68 can also serve to electrically connect thepower harvester 62 to the primary battery 64 in order to providerecharging functionality, which may further entail disrupting powertransmission to the device during recharging operations. Thepositive-side junction 68 can be a simple electrical connection, such asa metallic connection, or may be a simple routing circuit (including 1or more diodes), or may be an active/programmable/controllable circuitwhich is controlled by external control signals sent from the devicewhich is being powered 5 (not shown) or by a power transmitter 12.Generally, these connections may be supplied in a fixed, dynamic, and/orprogrammable manner, and may be provided in a user/device controlledmanner if the required circuitry is provided (e.g. similar to 88, 89 ofFIG. 6B). The connection junctions 68, 70 may also be configured toenable charge to be routed to the rechargeable battery 64, especiallywhen battery recharging is provided by the device 5 using conventionalnon-wireless methods (i.e. using conventional ‘plug-in’ charging for thedevice). The junctions 68, 70 may also be configured to provide:electrical isolation to occur, for example, during recharging of thebattery; low pass filtering of output voltage signals; and, voltageregulation. The wireless rechargeable-power supply device 60 may bedesigned to allocate various proportions of its volume to the power celland the wireless harvesting components depending uponperformance-related considerations. As in other figures of thisapplication, the components of FIGS. 3A-3E are not limited to theillustrated to scale or geometry shown, and, as taught, can also berealized partially external to the power supply device 60.

Similar to the positive side junction 68, a negative side junction 70can electrically connect the power harvester 62 directly to the negativeterminal 56B (for directly powering a device via wireless power), or canconnect the negative side 66B of the primary battery 64 directly to thenegative terminal 56B (for powering the device from the battery), orboth. The wireless rechargeable power supply device 60, may also berealized without the negative and positive side junctions 68, 70, andthe rechargeable battery may simply be connected to the positive 56A andnegative 56B terminals (and functional connection with the powerharvester module may be realized using alternative connections formedelsewhere within the supply device).

In the illustrated embodiment the wireless rechargeable-power supplydevice 60 has approximately the length of two serially positioned AAbatteries 50A, 50B and fits into the battery compartment 52. Thisenables the wirelessly rechargeable battery 60 to supply power to a userdevice 5 which normally accepts two AA batteries in a series typeconfiguration. In a preferred embodiment the power supply device 60 hasthe approximate shape of an AAA battery being 44.5 mm long and 10.5 mmin diameter. In an alternative preferred embodiment the wirelesslyrechargeable battery 60 has the approximate shape of an AA battery being50.5 mm long and 13.5-14.5 mm in diameter. In an alternative preferredembodiment the wirelessly rechargeable battery 60 has the approximateshape of a C type battery being 50 mm long and 26.2 mm in diameter. Inan alternative preferred embodiment the wirelessly rechargeable battery60 has the approximate shape of a D type battery, being 61.5 mm long and34.2 mm in diameter. In another alternative preferred embodiment thewirelessly rechargeable battery 60 has the approximate shape of amultiple (N) of common battery types. For example, setting N=2, resultsin a 89 mm length (i.e. 2.times.44.5) and 10.5 mm diameter as shown inFIG. 3B, which fits within existing battery storage compartmentsdesigned to hold 2 AA type batteries in a serial manner. This can alsobe done to accommodate parallel-type configurations of battery storagecompartments. This can also be done to accommodate battery storagecompartments which are a mixture between serial-type and parallel-type.These embodiments enable wireless power devices 60 to be created whichutilize existing power compartments without requiring specializedmodifications of the devices which they are powering. This is a greatadvantage over requiring manufacturers to modify and adapt their designsin order to incorporate wireless power recharging features into theirproducts.

FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic diagram of two AA batteries 50A, 50Bresiding within an AA parallel-type storage housing 72, which contains ashallow ridge 74 which serves to separate the batteries 50A, 50B, andwhich may also assist in defining 2 slightly beveled regions 76 havingcylindrical shaping. The batteries have a positive (‘+’) and negative(‘−’) regions, ending in positive terminals 56A, and negative terminals56B, respectively. The positive terminal communicates to a positiveterminal contact 58A and the negative terminal 56B communicates to anegative terminal contact 58B, each of which may be a spring, conductiveand flexible leaf member or simply conductive. When more than onebattery 50 occurs in series, then the positive terminal of one battery50A may contact the negative terminal of another battery 50B rather thancommunicating to a positive terminal contact 58A.

Although this example utilizes AA battery type, the batteries 50 can beshaped like, alkaline batteries such as the MNN1500 LRS made by Duracellwhich produces 1.5 volts, or can be rechargeable using Lithium Ion(polymer) or Nickel metal-hydride NIMH, such as the DR10 made byDuracell. The batteries 50 can also be D, C, AAA, N, 9V, or other typeof battery housed in a respectively appropriate storage housing 52. Thestorage housing 52 can be configured to hold 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, or anyother number of batteries, as well as batteries that are cylindrical,button, stack, coin, lantern prismatic, bulk packaged, or of othergeometry. The wireless rechargeable-power supply device 60 can beimplemented in accordance with any of these forms and may utilize orwork with mixtures of rechargeable cells and non-rechargeable cells, andcan be implemented in battery compartments 52.

FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic diagram of the present inventionwireless-power harvesting device 60 which is configured to reside withinan AA parallel-type storage housing, and has physical dimensions inaccordance with this aim. In this preferred embodiment, thewireless-power harvesting device 60 is realized as a single device thatspans the area normally reserved for 2 separate batteries. Therechargeable battery 64 assumes the majority of the internal volume ofthe device 60 relative to the energy harvesting module 62, but theopposite may be true, or both 62, 64 may utilize approximately equalvolumes. Additionally, the energy harvesting module 62 and rechargeablebattery 64 do not have to be positioned in a parallel fashion, but canbe configured using any geometry within the internal portions of thewireless-power harvesting device 60. Although the positive and negativecontacts 56A, 56B are located on the right and left sides of the device60, rather than being located oppositely, the device can comprise asingle side configured with both negative and positive contacts 56A, 56B(as can occur with anti-parallel or 9-volt configurations). This featurecan be provided using one of several possible design adjustments. Forexample, two or more conductive elements may be provided which traversethe length of the device 60 and communicate a particular charge polarityto the contacts 56 of the device. Alternatively, the internal design ofthe device 60 may be altered (to provide both negative and positivepolarities on the same side of the device, rather than on oppositesides) as is shown in FIG. 5C. In that embodiment, the two wirelesspower energy harvesting modules 62 are each configured oppositely withrespect to the rechargeable batteries 64A, 64B as a function of therelative positions of the positive and negative terminals. Additionally,when a single power harvester module 62 is used to harvest energy for 2different rechargeable batteries, having opposite polarities on the sameside of the device, a voltage inverter can be used to provide thecorrectly polarized charge to the respective half-cells of therechargeable battery. The device shown in FIG. 4B may be realized withan anode and cathode on the left and right sides of the rechargeablebattery 64, and may have both anode and cathode terminals on the sameside, and this may be realized by a single cell, or by several cells asare shown in FIGS. 5B-5D.

FIG. 4C illustrates a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention wireless rechargeable-power supply device 60configured to reside within an AA parallel-type storage housing and toalso power a conventional rechargeable battery. The device 60 isconfigured with a rechargeable battery 64 and an energy harvestingmodule 62. There is at least one of a positive conductor flap 78A and anegative conductor flap 78B on the positive and negative terminal end ofthe wireless rechargeable-power supply device 60. These flaps makecontact, respectively, with terminal contacts 58A and 58B, of thebattery storage casing 72 to power the device 5. The positive conductorflap 78A also makes contact with the positive terminal 56A of theconventional rechargeable battery 50A. Similarly, the negative conductorflap 78B also makes contact with the negative terminal 56B of theconventional rechargeable battery 50A. In this manner the wirelessrechargeable-power supply device 60 can both supply power to the device5 and also serve to re-charge the conventional rechargeable battery. Inan alternative embodiment, the wireless rechargeable-power supply device60 only contains an energy harvesting module 62, and the device 5 may beconfigured to differentially draw power from a conventional rechargeablebattery 50 or the wireless component depending upon the relative energyavailable. In this realization a rechargeable-power supply device 60comprises a power harvesting component which resides within the batterystorage housing; a first conductor flap configured to extend to thenegative terminal of a rechargeable battery; and a second conductor flapconfigured to extend to the positive terminal of a rechargeable battery.The first conductor flap may also be configured to make contact with atleast one battery terminal of the device's battery compartmentconfigured for receiving the negative terminal of a battery. The secondconductor flap may also be configured to make contact with at least onebattery terminal of the device's battery compartment configured forreceiving the positive terminal of a battery. The rechargeable batterysupply can be configured to reside within the battery compartmentwithout requiring any alteration of the back-plate of the device 5 whichit powers.

FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic diagram of the present inventionwireless rechargeable-power supply device 60 comprising a harvestingmodule 62 which is configured for charging the primary rechargeablebattery 64, providing power directly to a device 5, and/or jointlyrecharging and powering a device 5. In the illustrated embodiment, thewireless rechargeable-power supply device 60 contains positive sidecharging circuitry 69A for charging a positive portion of the battery,and negative side charging circuitry 69B for charging a negative portion66B. The circuitry 69 may simply be electrodes that make electricalcontact with the positive or negative cell of the rechargeable batteryand the corresponding positive/negative contacts (e.g. labeled “+” and“−” of FIG. 12, or respectively charged sides of a capacitive storagedevice) within the harvesting circuitry. Charging can occur using afirst harvesting module and a second harvesting module each designed toprovide a different voltage or relative polarity. The first harvestingmodule may be configured for far field wireless power reception and thesecond harvesting module may be configured for near-field,inductive-type harvesting.

FIG. 5B illustrates a schematic diagram of the present inventionwireless rechargeable-power supply device 60 comprising a firstharvesting module 62 for recharging a primary rechargeable battery 64,and a second harvesting module 62′ for recharging a secondaryrechargeable battery 64. In the illustrate embodiment, the two batteriesmay have similar or different characteristics. The harvesting modules62, 62′ can be configured in line with these characteristics.Alternatively, multiple harvesting modules 62, 62′ can be used to chargea single rechargeable battery 64. When two harvester modules are usedthen the primary antenna orientation for the first harvester may bealigned between 45 or 135 degrees relative to the secondary antennaorientation so that one of the batteries will always be relatively morealigned with the orientation of the transmitted wireless energy.

In FIG. 5C the power supply device 60 has harvesting modules 62, 62′which are configured to provide power to a first and second rechargeablebattery 64, 64′ which have opposite orientations for their positive 56A,56A′ and negative 56B, 56B′ terminals. In other words, the power supplydevice 60 can be configured so that multiple terminals of differentpolarities occur on the same side of the device in order to provideequivalent charging schemes to what occurs when using separateconventional batteries. Harvester connections 69A and 69B, as well asthe harvester 62 circuitry should be arranged to provide the respectivecharges to the positive and negative portions of the battery.

In FIG. 5D the power supply device 60 has at least a first or secondharvesting module 62, 62′ each of which is configured to provide powerto a first rechargeable battery 64 which provides power as normallyaccomplished using 3 batteries configured in parallel, and therefore hasthree positive terminals (56A, 57′, 57″) and one extended-negative 56Bterminal which make functional contact with a conventional-type ofbattery compartment shaped to house three batteries.

FIG. 6A illustrates, on its left side, a schematic diagram of arechargeable battery 61A configured with a centrally located ‘accessoryplate’ 86, which can be physically and electrically isolated from thepositive and negative contacts 56A, 56B and can also be electricallyisolated from the battery housing. The centrally located ‘accessoryplate’ 86 can serve as an antenna which harnesses wireless power forharvesting circuitry 62 that exists within battery 61A. Alternatively,on the right side of the figure, a rechargeable battery 61B is shownwith a centrally located ‘accessory plate’ 86, that can serve as a powertransfer surface which operatively achieves power transfer from poweralready harvested using an externally disposed wireless harvester module90 (not shown). The accessory plate 86 can have at least twoelectrically isolated components created via non-conductive barriers 67,and each component of the accessory plate can conduct energy to a partof the battery such as the anode and cathode components, or a controlcircuit.

A wireless harvester module 90 can be provided which can be designed toharvest wireless energy using at least one of near or far field methodsand then transmit the power to the ‘accessory plate’ 86 of therechargeable battery 61B. The external wireless harvester module 90 canbe located within or external to the housing of the device 5, and canprovide a power-line 92 (not shown), which may contain a positive,negative, and/or ground line, to the ‘accessory plate’ 86. In thisembodiment the ‘accessory plate’ 86 may be electrically realized insegments each of which can receive a different type of power or polarity(i.e., negative/positive/ground), and may also have surfaces which canreceive control signals. The ‘accessory plate’ 86, in turn relays powerto the rechargeable battery 61B, such as to the positive and negativeregions of a cell. This embodiment therefore utilizes at least onecentrally located ‘accessory plate’ 86 which may be realized as acentrally disposed conductive terminal which is not used for chargingthe device 5, but rather for recharging the wirelessly rechargeablebattery.

If the centrally located ‘accessory plate’ 86 is an antenna, or isconnected to an antenna, then an energy harvester module 62 would belocated inside of the rechargeable battery 61A. Alternatively, if thecentrally located ‘accessory plate’ 86 receives at least one type ofcharge from an externally located power harvester module, therechargeable battery 61B is more simply designed to merely receive theone, two, or more charge polarities and to then charge the cell(s) ofthe rechargeable battery 61B. The accessory plate 86 may be electricallycompartmentalized by electrical barriers 67 into a plurality of distinctregions configured to receive different types of charge (e.g. differentpolarities, voltage levels). Various mechanical components can be usedto secure external components to the accessory plate 86 (and to ensureproper connection to the respective regions which are defined within theplate). These may include spring biased mechanisms, lock and keyphysical constraints, and the like.

FIG. 6B illustrates a schematic diagram of a rechargeable battery 63having at least two physically distinct power transfer surfaces 87A,87B, which are configured to accept positive and negative power-lines92A, 92B, and to work in conjunction with the illustrated wirelessharvester accessory module 90. In this embodiment, the wirelessharvester accessory module 90 comprises positive and negative inductioncomponents 96A, 96B, which are configured to operate with induction padsprovided by companies such as Splashpower. The harvester accessorymodule can be tucked into the battery storage compartment if there issufficient room or can exist outside the device, such as being a part ofa customized cell-phone back-plate in the case of a cell-phone. In thismanner, any device can use generically-configured induction pads tore-charge the rechargeable batteries without requiring modification ofthe device 5 within which the batteries reside. The external wirelessharvester accessory module 90 may also have a communication/controlmodule 95 which is designed to control charging operations in a fixed orprogrammable manner communication/control module 95 may be controlledby: a) control signals that are sent from a wireless transmitter andreceived from an antenna; b) control signals which are sent viamodulation of the wireless power signals (wherein the modulation servesas the control signals when these are decoded via module 95); and c)control signals that emanate from the rechargeable battery itself andwhich are transmitted over control line 94. The communication/controlmodule 95 can send a control line 94 to a control surface 88 of acustomized rechargeable battery in order control recharging circuitry 89which is designed to modify and monitor features and functions of thewireless rechargeable battery 63, in recharging/power operations. Thecontrol surface 88 can be implemented as a port/plug if there issufficient room for this to occur: in this case the control line 94 isprovided with a complementary plug for allowing connection thereto. Thecontrol recharging circuitry 89 may include circuitry for monitoring oradjusting:

a) the functional the drain on the battery;

b) the internal resistance of the cells;

c) the rate of charge over time;

d) the amount of charge used for recharging the battery cells or whichis directly diverted to the device which is being powered;

e) the overload circuitry for breaking circuits when the rechargingpower has unwanted features (e.g., incorrect polarity or voltage level);

f) the temperature monitoring and temperature-cut-off means whichprevents recharging operations (or battery use), from occurring whentemperatures exceed a specified range;

g) the impedance-matching means;

h) isolation components which can isolate the cells from the batteryterminals when recharging occurs (for example, in order to keep chargefrom leaking to adjacent batteries which may not be rechargeable);

i) the components for performing “battery full operations” such asattenuating or halting recharging operations; and,

j) the components for sending control signals to the wireless harvestingmodule.

Recharging, both here and as provided by other components of theinvention may occur using a ‘fast charge’ protocol to charge a powersupply to 80% capacity, and then switch to ‘trickle charging’ for topingoff. Some of these features of the control re-charging circuitry 89 maybe realized jointly with, or primarily/wholly by, thecommunication/control module 95 of the power harvesting accessory 90 andeven the wireless power transmitter.

The communication/control module 95 accepts electrical connections 97from the induction-type 96 and antenna-type 14,30 power receivers andcommunicates the power signals to the power transfer surfaces 87A, 87Bby way of positive and negative power-lines 92A, 92B which are fastenedto, or biased against, the transfer surfaces by various means. Thecommunication/control module 95 may also have signal conditioningelement such as low-pass or high-pass filters (as may be implemented byway of capacitors) that serve to block certain energy frequencies frombeing transmitted from the harvester accessory 90 to the device 5 and/orits wireless rechargeable batteries 63. Power-lines 92A, 92B, can alsobe configured to terminate in a number of plugs which are configured towork with different devices 5 and wireless batteries 63.

Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment shown there is provided atleast two approximately dedicated ‘re-charging terminals’ (e.g. powertransfer surfaces 87A, 87B), that can be located within the housing ofeach rechargeable battery 63. These surfaces may be universallypositioned, or can be realized using 2 or 3 generally acceptedvariations. For example, when transfer terminals 87A, 87B are spaced 2mm apart they configured for accepting power provided within a firstrange e.g. (1-2 volts), while intra-terminal spacing of 3 mm is providedfor a second range (4-6 volt). In one embodiment, the first transferterminal pair is configured for accepting power harvested frominduction-type charging, which is generally larger than power harvestedfrom transmitted power. The power-harvesting accessory 90 may senddifferent connectors to these two pairs of terminals. In this manner,power accessories 90 can have multiple circuits which are designed todrive different loads and the wirelessly rechargeable batteries will notbe incorrectly connected to power-lines 92A, 92B (or their correspondingconnector fittings) which have charges above or below what is “expected”by the rechargeable battery. This “charge-specific” feature may also beapplied to transfer terminals 87A, 87B if these are realized as plugswith unique geometries. In this case, the transfer terminals 87A, 87Bfit-with charge transfer plugs having corresponding geometries whichwork together as a lock and key system that ensures the intendedcharging occurs. A main feature of these re-charging terminals is thatthey allow the wireless harvesting accessory to be attached to thebattery without concern for how the battery, in turn, is connected tothe device. This solution also does not require the manufacturer toprovide sufficient space within devices between the battery and thedevice contacts, for example, in order to provide room for a chargingstructure to be implemented therein. The power harvester accessory 90and its related components can be realized as a replaceable back-cover,which is able to ‘snap’ onto the device's battery compartment. By usinga secondary set of battery contacts which are provided solely forrecharging purposes and for interacting with the battery itself, thebattery-device interface may remain unchanged. The wireless harvesteraccessory module may also be configured with a junction plug which canbe plugged into a data/power port of a device, such as a cellphone.

Other types of wireless harvester accessory modules 90 may also beprovided. For example, the module can be configured with a converter toconvert both near-field and far-field power so as to power devices whenthe wireless power which is harvested is of either type. For example, ifa device is configured to be used with PowerCast technology it may usean antenna which is not able to be charged by the Splashpad powerinduction device. By providing a ‘near-to-far converter’ 302, which isdesigned to convert the induction-type power provided by near-fieldinduction means (e.g., a positive charged surface and negatively chargedsurface) into energy which can be harvested by the PowerCast antenna, adevice 5 which may be a cellphone, configured for PowerCast type ofrecharging can be recharged using the SplashPad (this is different fromthe device of FIG. 6B which includes two types of harvesting elementsthat harvest power directly rather than converting the wireless powerthat is harvested using a converter). As shown in FIG. 6C, the‘near-to-far converter ’ 302 can include an induction-type powerharvester 304 which powers an RF power transmission circuit 306 which,for example, transmits at 90 MHz, when powered by the inductive typepower sources.

The wireless power accessory can provide power to devices even if thesedevices are not configured with power transfer surfaces 87A, 87B toaccept the power-lines 92A, 92B. For example, the ‘near-to-farconverter’ 302 can be configured as a small box that ‘clips onto’ theantenna of a PowerCast wireless power receiver (which may be a headphonecable of an mp3 player, or a power-accessory antenna of a differentdevice). It is also possible to provide a ‘far-to-near converter’ 308,which receives far-field power which is transmitted by a wireless powertransmitter and then converts this to power which is then supplied by aninduction surface either directly, or by way of an intermediate storagebattery which stores the wireless energy (although this second type ofconversion is less robust). In other words a SplashPad-type of device(including its rechargeable battery) may be powered by a PowerCasttransmitter. The ‘near-to-far converter’ 302 can be implemented as an RFtransmitter which is powered by a Splashpad device and performs powertransmission according to a defined protocol.

FIG. 6D shows a wireless power accessory 90 which has power-lines 92which can terminate using a plug adapter 308 that plugs into a device 5.For example, the plug adapter 308 can be configured as a stereo plugthat plugs into an outlet 307 of a sound device such as an MP3 player.The device 5 is configured to be recharged by making a functionalconnection between the port 307 and a USB port of a computer. This typeof plug adapter 308 (or the power accessory 90 itself) may also providean accessory port 310 which allows the acceptance of the plug of anyaccessory (in this case a headphone plug 312) which normally plugs intothe port 307 of the device 5 (when the port 307 does not receive a plugfrom a USB power source). This allows individuals to utilizegeneric-type headphones which have not incorporated a wireless poweraccessory feature into its design, and to thereby realize this featurefor the device 5. Since the ‘accessory port’ 310 of the accessory 90allows connection between plug 312 and port 307, the wireless poweraccessory 90 becomes invisible to the device 5 except thatwireless-power recharging that is supplied along with otherfunctionality. The accessory port 310 or wireless power accessory 90 mayalso be configured with a power control module 314 so that wirelesspower-recharging doesn't occur when the device is turned on (e.g. whenan audio signal is being transmitted to the headphones) in order toprevent malfunction of the device 5. The power control module 314 canalso include a button 96 which lets the user control power harvestingand supply operations. The plug adapter 308 can also be implemented towork with power/data ports which normally accept conventional AC/DCchargers for various devices such as an iPhone.

As shown in FIGS. 6B-D, instead of being configured solely for obtainingnear-field induction-type from a splashpad-type wireless charger, thewireless harvester accessory module 90 can harvest either type of power.Wireless power accessory 90 can also be provided with an antenna 14 (oris configured to be used in conjunction with an accessory antenna whichmay be attached to the accessory module 90 using one or more accessoryports 310,310′), as well as with a power harvesting module 30. Althoughmany embodiments are possible, in a preferred embodiment the externalwireless harvester accessory module 90 is incorporated into the lid or‘backplate’ which normally covers the battery compartment of a device 5such as a cell-phone. In another preferred embodiment the externalwireless harvester accessory module 90 is incorporated into a protectivecase which normally surrounds a device 5 such as a cell-phone.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the wireless harvester accessory module 90 may senda control-line 94 to the rechargeable battery 63 (or to the device 5, orboth) in order to control and/or monitor recharging operations. In thismanner, conventional rechargeable batteries can be used without muchmodification of the device 5 which is being powered. The externalwireless harvester accessory module 90 can also be configured to providea number of recharging capacities and features to improve rechargingoperations. For example, the wireless harvester accessory module 90 (andother components of the invention e.g., 38 of FIG. 1) can implement‘pulse technology’ during recharging in which a plurality of pulses arefed to the battery and wherein each pulse has a strictly controlled risetime, shape, pulse width, frequency and amplitude.

FIG. 7A illustrates a schematic diagram of a power harvesting module 62implemented within a traditional “wall plug” type of charger 99A. Apower management module 100 accepts recharging power from either theharvester module 62, or an AC/DC converter 102 that converts electricityderived from the plugs 104 which reside within an AC mains-line walloutlet. A power management module 100 outputs DC power through a powercord 106 to charging the device 5 which has a power-port which isconfigured to accept plug 108. The charger 99A can supply charges, ortrickle charges, to a device when wireless power is available and no ACoutlet is available (or conveniently available) and can provide normalcharging via AC power when this is available. The housing of the charger99A can further include other features that serve to augment wirelesspower harvesting such as embedded antenna elements, adeployable-extendible antenna; and indicators such as LED which arecombined with monitoring circuitry to enable users to see how muchwireless energy is available. The indicator can glow more brightly asthe amount of power harvested increases. The charger 99A/99B can includeat least one harvester module 62 that is designed to be powered fromeither near-field induction type or far-field power transmitters, orboth. The charger 99A/99B can also contain a wireless-power accessoryport (not shown) for accepting input from a power harvesting accessory90 device.

FIG. 7B illustrates a schematic diagram of a power harvesting module 62implemented within a traditional “USB” type of charger 99B having a USBplug interface 105 which can accept USB power from a portable devicesuch as a computer. A power management module 101 accepts inputrecharging power from either the harvester module 62, or USB interfaceconnector 103 that that obtains power from USB plug 105. Module 101 thensends power through power cord 107 to provide electricity to thepower-port of the device 5 which is configured to accept plug 104, whichmay be a USB plug or other type of plug. This type of power harvestingmodule may be well suited for re-charging devices such as digitalcameras or MP3 players which are configured for obtaining power viatheir USB ports when plugged into a computer. The charger 99B may alsosupply power to a computer through USB plug 105 when this is providedfrom harvester module 62.

In addition to using simple “wall plug” transmitters which are powereddirectly by standard AC sockets, other types of transmitters are alsouseful. In one preferred embodiment a wireless power transmitter isconfigured to transmit power as part of a wireless power network whichalso includes a remotely located device with a power receiver. Thetransmitter 12D illustrated in FIG. 7C is configured to be plugged intoan AC power outlet which supplies power not only to the wireless-powertransmitter 12D, but also to an accessory power outlet 320 which isconfigured to accept a plug 322 of a power cord of awired-power-dependent device 6 and to provide AC power to thiswired-power-dependent device 6. The transmitter is also configured witha power transmitter control PTC module 39B which controls an energymonitor 264 which allows the PTC 39B to monitor the AC power in order tosense data and timing signals that are transmitted on the AC power-lineeither from remote network components or from the wired-power-dependentdevice 6 which is plugged into the accessory power outlet 320. Thewireless-power transmitter 12D is realized as a component of a mixedwireless-wired network which contains devices powered by both means. Forexample, if a computer is plugged into the accessory power outlet and itis turned on, then it may also send a signal over the power-cord so thatthe energy profile module 264 which can sense and process this signal tothe power transmitter 12D. The signal can be used change the state ofwireless-power operations such as initiating power transmission. In thisexample, a wireless keyboard can be powered only when the computer isturned on for use. If the computer then enters a sleep state, due tolack of activity above a selected amount, another signal can be sent tothe wireless-power transmitter 12D (as received by energy profile module264) in order to stop wireless-power transmission. Other modules andfeatures that have been described for with respect to the powertransmitter (e.g., components of FIG. 1A and FIGS. 8A-B) can be added tothis basic design.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, a wireless power transmitter canbe configured as a socket-transmitter 330, illustrated in FIG. 7D. Inits most basic form, the socket-transmitter 330 includes a conductivecontact 332 which fits into an outlet, such as a screw-cap for aconventional light socket outlet, and provides power to a wireless-powertransmitter 12D which can transmit power. The socket outlet can berelated to an incandescent bulb, a halogen bulb, or a different kind ofbulb, as well as a track-connection for providing track-type lighting.The wireless-power transmitter can also have an accessory socket outlet334 for accepting a light-bulb 336, so that powering the transmitterdoes not decrease the amount of light which is normally available from abulb connected directly into a particular light-socket. The sockettransmitter 330 may also include a control switch 338 which is at leastone of a manual switch for allowing users to manually control whetherpower is wirelessly transmitted or not; a remote-controlled circuit forremotely controlling whether power is transmitted or not; and an ACmonitor-controlled circuit for controlling whether power is transmittedor not. The AC-monitor controlled circuit can control power transmissionbased upon an on/off pattern of its power supply. In this last example,a user may flip a light switch on-and-off 3 times rapidly to start orstop the wireless power transmission. The socket transmitter 330 mayalso include a motion detector 340 for detecting motion and forautomatically adjusting a transmission protocol in order to routewireless power transmission at least partially through an antenna 16which has been designated to provide power in the region in which themotion occurred, as may occur using a directional antenna. The powertransmitter can also contain an indicator-light 324 which emits acolored light at least periodically when power is being transmittedwirelessly from a position such as a recessed ceiling light. Especiallyif implemented in the form of a desktop light, or other light-sourcewhich is easily accessible (i.e. rather than a ceiling light), thebulb-type wireless power transmitter can have a power transmissionantenna which can be manually adjusted by a user to transmit powerprimarily towards a particular direction. Manual adjustment of thetransmitter or an antenna can serve to result in power being primarilytransmitted across a particular area, and in a direction approximatelydefined by a horizontal angle. Alternatively, if the socket-typetransmitter is located in the ceiling, then the transmission antenna canbe remotely adjusted by a user to primarily transmit power to aparticular area of a room. In a further embodiment the power transmittercan be implemented within the light-bulb itself having independentcircuitry that primarily runs in parallel with the lighting function.The new LED based lights, can have a port which can accept the powertransmitter. In this case the transmitter may reside adjacent to thelight itself. Socket-based transmitters are advantageous since theseprovide good clearance for energy transmission compared to AC poweroutlets which are normally close to the floor and which may have theirtransmission paths physically blocked more often.

Different transmitters will provide different geometries of transmittedpower fields as function of factors such as the antenna that are used,the shape of the room, various objects in the room which may be in thepath of the transmitted power, etc. An accessory that can be used toplace power receiver devices in improved positions for obtainingwireless power will increase the performance of a wireless powernetwork, and assist in avoiding ‘dead’ or low power zones. Such acalibration device can provide visual indication signals each relatingto a feature of a region of space in order to determine if these regionsare active elements which form the functional spatial geometry of awireless power field. In order to be considered part of the functionalfield of transmitted power, the active elements should meet a selectedcriterion such as containing at least a specified power level, or apower signal of a certain frequency, or a power signal containing atleast two frequencies at specified levels, as well as othercharacteristics. The calibration device can provide a visual indicationsignal which adjusts the brightness of the signal as a function of theintensity the region in which it is located. The device can include amatrix of LEDs each of which are coupled to power harvesting modules,and each of which is capable of emitting light as a function of thepower harvested and wherein the color of the light may be related to adifferent characteristic such as the frequency of the harvested signal.The matrix may be structured with rigid, flexible, or stretchable,structures which serve to maintain space between the individual powersensing elements of the calibration device.

The wireless-power transmitters disclosed herein may also be configuredto periodically provide audible sounds or visual cues when transmissionoccurs; when transmission is halted, or when transmission occursaccording to a specified protocol. Sensory alert signals may also beprovided when the power being transmitted is above a particular levelwhich may not be proper in certain environments or when humans are inthe vicinity.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a plurality of modules which can be contained inenergy receivers 10, energy transmitters 12, or wireless-poweraccessories 90,99A/B which communicate or cooperate with components of awireless power system. Only a portion of these modules may be utilizedby any component of the wireless power system including a powered device5,6. The following descriptions of the modules are not meant to beinclusive, and are meant to incorporate functions and features whichhave been disclosed in other parts of this application and which arereasonably similar to those referred to those specifically taught. Themodules contain all hardware, software, circuitry, algorithms, andconnections which are needed to provide the functionality of the module,and its cooperation with other modules. Although the modules arerepresented discretely, modules may share components and be realized asportions of other modules. More than one occurrence of the same modulemay exist in wireless power networks and within each device within thenetwork, and further, modules do not have to exist within the housing ofa single device.

FIG. 8A illustrates a block diagram of functional modules of a wirelesspower receiver device 10F.

The receptor/harvesting module 200 is configured for interfacing with atleast one antenna and for controlling wireless harvesting circuitryrelated to harnessing of wireless energy. The receptor/harvesting module200 may also be configured for obtaining energy from near-field powersupplies.

The energy transduction module 204 is configured for converting wiresenergy into operational power and can contain circuitry for voltageregulation, rectification, and provides for sending of power to theenergy storage module 208.

The safety and control circuitry module 206 is configured for monitoringpower harvesting and ensuring that power generation remains withinranges which are selected to be safe both for a patient, if the powerreceiver device is used to power a medical device such as an implanteddevice, as well as for the device itself. Surge suppressors, capacitors,and other known power regulation circuitry may be utilized within thismodule. This module may also include circuitry for controlling visualand sound signals that may be provided to indicate to individuals thestate or characteristics of wireless power transmission.

The energy storage module 208 is configured for storing harvested powerand can include rechargeable batteries, capacitors, and controlcircuitry for controlling recharging and power supply operations it mayalso include thermal generators/monitors forcontrolling/monitoring/estimating temperature of energy storagecomponents.

The transmitter-communication module 210 is configured for providingcommunication between the power receiver device and other devices of thewireless power network such as other power receivers and powertransmitters. The transmitter-communication module 210 may be configuredto transmit codes which identify the device to other parts of thenetwork, and may include RFID technology circuitry for providingcommunication in more than one modality (e.g. sound, light, and RFenergy signals). Transmission and reception of synchronization andtiming signals is also achieved by this module.

The battery interface module 212 is configured for interfacing withstandard rechargeable batteries, or specialized wireless batterydesigns, which the power receiver may act to recharge. The batteryinterface module 212 can also be controlled by a device 5 which ispowered by the power receiver, such as a cell-phone device which canrequire more or less power during active and stand-by states. Circuitrymay provide for monitoring charge, impedance, temperature, capacity, andother characteristics of the batteries. The battery interface module 212is configured for interfacing (monitoring and/or controlling) operationsrelating to drawing power from or charging the batteries.

The ambient energy profile module 214 is configured for sensing energyprofiles of energy signals and computing energy measures such asdominant frequency, amplitude and phase, as well as statisticalsummaries of these measures. The ambient profile module 214 can also beconfigured to operate according to wireless calibration routines whichserve to improve performance of wireless harvesting, and can assessambient energy characteristics (which may include transmitted energywhich is present in the local environment of the wireless harvester).

The transmitted energy profile module 216 is configured for sensingenergy profiles of transmitted energy signals and computing transmittedenergy measures such as frequency, amplitude and phase, as well asstatistical summaries of these measures.

The discharge/recharge module 218 is configured for ensuring that thecomponents of the energy storage module are discharged and recharged inorder to intermittently provide ‘exercise’ to batteries and therebyincrease their longevity and performance. Exercise may be scheduled tooccur, for example, after a defined period of disuse of the device 5.For example, if a laptop is not used for a long time, thedischarge/recharge module 218 can discharge the battery supply to aspecified level, over a specified duration, and/or according to adischarge pattern, and then can recharge the device. Thedischarge/recharge module 218 is configurable by the user and may bedisabled or forced to issue some type of visual or auditory alert priorto initiating an ‘exercise cycle’. The module 218 may also be configuredto detect the presence of a wireless power signal which meets selectedcriteria that promote that chance the power storage will be recharged toa sufficient extent after discharge. In another embodiment, thedischarge/recharge module 218 uses the transmitter-communication module210 to communicate to the transmitter and relay a request to initiate anexercise cycle and begins the exercise cycle only after receiving aconfirmation signal that the transmitter will be on, or will turn on, atthe end of the exercise cycle. When more than one battery is used by adevice, each of the batteries is sequentially put through the exercisecycle or two or more may be exercised at the same time. Exercising mayinclude: topping up the battery charge; draining the battery to create ashallow discharge; draining the battery to create a deep discharge;draining according to a linear function; draining according to anarbitrary function; adjusting the draining operation according to atemperature reading. During the exercise operation, after a firstbattery is drained it may be recharged in part by using the charge of aneighboring rechargeable battery instead of or in addition to usingwireless transmitted energy. The discharge/recharge module 218 cancontain circuitry for using up the energy by operating a load such as apeltier circuit to increase or decrease a battery temperature, convertthe power to light, activate wireless communication of power or data, orother means.

The temperature module 220 is configured for assessing temperature ofmodules and circuitry of the power receiver, especially of therechargeable batteries, and for ensuring that temperature levels remainwithin a selected range. Further, the temperature module may be used todetermine when, and if batteries are recharged, or can be used todetermine if the temperature is within a range which has been defined asacceptable for providing power to a device such as an implanted device.In this manner, the powering the device and the recharging operationswill not cause harm to a patient or to a device 5 that is receivingwireless power. The temperature module 200, can also be configured withheating and cooling devices which can ensure that components such asrechargeable batteries remain within temperature ranges defined foroperational use and recharging to occur. For example, when therechargeable power storage (and or the device which it powers) islocated in outer-space, outdoors, under water, inside a mammal, or inother various environments active temperature regulation maybe requiredto ensure proper power cell longevity and performance.

The data/power transmission module 222 is configured for controllingdata and power signals that may be transmitted by the power receiverdevice 10F. The module may also have a memory for storing informationrelated to charging of the device such as power needs of the device,power-data transmission protocols which the device is configured forusing, as well as factors such as age of a battery, number of charginglifecycles, time since last charge, resistance to certain temporalcharge-patterns and other characteristics of a power which is provided.The module 222 is configured to derive, receive, and store, this type ofinformation in order to provide improved power-data reception, supply,and efficiency. Mixed-network protocols, as well as data-only orpower-only protocols, device priority settings, and other types ofinformation related to providing data/power transmission functionalityis achieved using this module.

The power receiver control module 224 is configured for controlling theoperation of the other modules of the power receiver device 10F in orderfor power harvesting, recharging, and supply operations and features tooccur as intended. The power receiver control module 224 also isconfigured to assist the power harvesting device 10F to work jointlywith at least one wireless transmitter device 12F, as well as any othercomponents of a wireless power network system.

FIG. 8B illustrates a block diagram of a plurality of functional modulesof a wireless transmitter device 12F.

The receptor/harvesting module 250 is configured for interfacing with anantenna and controlling wireless harvesting circuitry related toharnessing of wireless energy within the power transmitter device. Forexample, a wireless power transmitter can be powered from a remotetransmitter and can re-transmit the power in a similar or differentmanner than the original transmission.

The energy transduction module 254 is configured for converting AC or DCwired-energy into operational power and can contain circuitry forvoltage regulation, rectification, conversion and provides for sendingof power to the energy storage module 258 which can be used to storeenergy for intervals when the transmitter is not powered from wiredsources.

The safety and control circuitry module 256 is configured for monitoringoperations such as power transmission and modulates power transmissionto ranges which are selected to be safe for the device itself and arewithin governmentally-regulated transmission guidelines. The safety andcontrol circuitry module 256 can also supply AC or DC power to differentparts of the power transmitter. If the transmitter 12F is used fortransmitting wireless power to supply devices used for medical purposes,an alarm module may be included as part of the transmitter communicationmodule 260 to warn that the transmitter has been “unplugged” or hasotherwise experienced a functional failure.

The energy storage module 258 is configured for storing harvested powerand can include rechargeable batteries, capacitors, and controlcircuitry for controlling recharging, and power supply operations it mayalso include thermal generators/monitors for controlling/monitoringtemperature of energy storage components. This module may permit thetransmitter to receive power intermittently. The transmitter can be madeinto a portable device.

The transmitter-communication module 260 is configured for providingcommunication between the power transmitter device and other devices ofthe wireless power network such as other power receivers and powertransmitters. The transmitter communication module 260 can contain alarmcircuitry for providing alarm signals in both wired and wirelessmanners, including error signals and codes which are issued to notify ofdevice malfunction.

The battery interface module 262 is configured for properly interfacingwith standard rechargeable batteries to which the power receiver maysend power. For example, the interface module 262, may contain protocolsfor transmitting power to different types of batteries. The powertransmitter control 274 can access protocols of this module 262 when itreceives signals from devices needing specific types of power to betransmitted for particular rechargeable battery types.

The ambient energy profile module 264 is configured for sensing energyprofiles of ambient energy signals and computing ambient energy measuressuch as amplitude and phase, as well as statistical summaries of thesemeasures. This module 264 can be assist in ensuring that transmittedenergy either overlaps or does not overlap ambient energy which ispresent in the local environment, and may use more than antenna as wellas antennae located in more than one location. This module 264 can alsoassist in detecting and decoding signals sent over the AC power-line.

The transmitted energy profile module 266 is configured for sensingenergy profiles of transmitted energy signals, both of the powertransmitter itself as well as additional neighboring transmitters withwhich it may, or may not communicate, using wireless or wiredcommunication. The transmitted energy profile module 266 can computeenergy profile measures for transmitted energy such as frequency,amplitude and phase, as well as statistical summaries of these measures.The transmitted energy profile module 266 can also assist in derivingpower transmission strategies when the transmitter 12F is used a part ofa wireless power network which provides power to a mobile device as itmoves into different zones of the network.

The discharge/recharge module 268 is configured for ensuring that thecomponents of the energy storage module 258 of the transmitter or thoseof receptor devices are discharged and recharged in order to ‘exercise’the batteries and thereby increase longevity and performance. Exercisemay be scheduled, for example, to occur after a defined period of disuseand may be accomplished by causing the transmitter to halt its powertransmission and permit the battery of the wireless receiver device todischarge, after which power transmission can again be resumed.

The temperature module 270 is configured for assessing temperature ofother modules of the power transmitter, especially the temperature ofthe rechargeable batteries 258 and transmission circuitry 272, and forensuring that temperature levels remain within a selected range. Thetemperature module may be used to determine when and if batteries arerecharged and may also be used to modulate their temperature.

The data/power transmission module 272 is configured for controllingdata and power signals which are transmitted by the power transmitterdevice 12F, and controls which of at least one antennae are used duringpower transmission as well with various signals.

The power transmitter control module 274 is configured for controllingthe operation of all the other modules of the power transmitter device12F in order for power transmission harvesting, recharging, and supplyoperations and features to occur as intended within the wireless powersystem. The power transmitter control can also be controlled by a Mastertransmitter device, or may communicate control signals to othertransmitters and this may occur in a wireless or wired fashion.

The transmitter can be configured to show, and allow adjustment of thecharacteristics of the wireless power that is transmitted. In oneembodiment, two mode-indicator lights can be provided on thewireless-power transmitter. One indicator signifies that the transmitteris operating in an automatic mode which uses a sensor such as a motionor wireless sensor to automatically turn wireless transmission on andoff The second indicator is lit when the wireless transmitter ischronically on. The two indicator lights can be the same color, ordifferent colors, for example, green and red respectively. Only oneindicator light, capable of multiple colors can also be used.

When the transmitter is in an automatic mode, movement can cause thedevice to transmit for a fixed amount of time such as 1 minute to 1hour. This duration can be user configurable by way of hardware (e.g.,via a nob-control) or by programming, using wired or wirelessprogramming commands which are sent to the transmitter unit. Thetransmitter unit may also have a button which the user can press toprovide a selected length of wireless transmission. The user can alsooperate a mode selector (physically or programmably) which determinesone of 2 or more modes of wireless power transmission. A particular modeof transmission may entail adjustment of, for example, powertransmission using particular frequencies and or level of power.

The transmitter may be hardwired, or may have physical controls whichallow wireless power transmission programming. Alternatively, a softwarepanel realized in a computer, PDA, or phone, or other programming devicecan be used for setting the transmission characteristics can beprovided. Such a panel may display menu items such as:

Mode: Automatic On-always Schedule Manual User Configured.

In this example, selecting automatic mode causes sensors such as motion,light, or sound sensors to detect movement or requests for powertransmission. Automatic-mode can also enable wired sensors, such assensors which receive command signals over the power-line which powersthe transmitter, or via a control line or wireless command sent fromcomputer that operates wireless devices (e.g. a keyboard), or from aneighboring power transmitter. “On-always” sets the unit for chronictransmission. Schedule allows the user to set times for wirelesstransmission. Manual sets the transmission to only occur when the userpushes a button. User configured allows a user to customize a wiretransmission strategy which is a combination of these other 4 modes. Forexample, from 9-5 the transmission may be always on, while from 6-8wireless transmission is dictated automatically via sensors. Althoughthe device can be in “schedule” mode, if a user depresses a button onthe transmission unit, this can create a limited duration of, forexample, one hour during which energy will be transmitted chronically,before reverting back to the schedule mode.

When selectable items are selected on the transmitter rather than insoftware, the transmitter may contain a physical knob which allows theuser to select one of these 5 modes. A user configured mode can also beprovided which can be a mixture of the other modes. This customized modemay have been previously loaded into firmware by the user.

Power-Data Communication Protocols.

FIG. 9A illustrates activity charts of transmission schedules for powerand data transmission. Power and data transmission may be providedsimultaneously or not, as required in relation to differentapplications. For example, if there is any risk that spectralcharacteristics of signals used for data and power transmission mayoverlap, or interfere with each other, then data and power transmissionoperations may be accomplished in manners which decrease this risk ofoverlap or interference. The chart in the first panel shows the temporalschedule for communication of data and power signals. When the datavalue is set to ‘0’ (i.e. false) then data communication is halted,while a value of ‘1’ (i.e. true) indicates data operations can occur.The function for data is opposite to that shown for power, indicatingthat the two types of operations are scheduled to occur at differentintervals which are non-overlapping. The power transmission intervalsand data transmission intervals may be the same duration, differentdurations, or may be set dynamically according to the needs of thecomponents of the wireless network or according to times such as time ofday. The data and power signals can utilize the same antenna or twodifferent antennae as shown in FIGS. 2A-2E. FIG. 9B shows a similarchart and reflects what might occur when a single antenna is used forcommunication of several different types of signals including thosereceived and those sent. FIG. 9C shows a similar chart and reflects whatmight occur when a single antenna is used for communication of clearlydefined types of signals including data which is received (Drx) and sent(Dtx). Rather than alternating between two types of data communicationthe protocol may alternate between power transmission and two-way datacommunication. FIG. 9D shows a similar chart and reflects what mightoccur when a single antenna is used for communication of different typesof signals. In this case, wireless operations share time which is usedfor transmission, data reception, and data transmission. In the figure,since different types of data is received the graph for (Drx) operationsis not all aligned with respect to its y-value, indicating differentdevices are receiving information or different types of data are beingcommunicated in a sequential fashion. The intervals can be defined in adefault operating protocol stored in the memory of each of thecomponents of the wireless system. The type of communication can also befully or partially ‘event based’. As such the type of wireless operationwhich occurs can be determined by an event, such as the occurrence ofpatient input (‘P’ in the figure) using a controller device. Patientinput, which is provided by a patient can be received by a component ofthe wireless system during a default data receive mode of any of thecomponents of the wireless system. The reception of a signal that anevent has occurred can trigger an ‘event protocol’ that causes data tobe sent and received by at least one component of the wireless systemfor a specific period an according to the schedule defined in the eventprotocol, after which a default protocol (e.g., alternating powertransmission, data transmission, data reception) again is established.Although the mixed-network data/power strategy may be realized with onlyone or two antennae by any particular device, different operationsrepresented by the graphed functions may entail functionally connectingor operating at least one from a set of antennae to achieve eithertransmission or reception of power, or data, (or communication relatedto timing, energy profiling, energy sensing, and multi-devicesynchronization operations). In other words, different types ofoperations may utilize different antennae, or sets of antennae, and maycause re-allocation of sets of antennae to achieve particularoperations. Additionally, different operations may activate variousfiltering circuits in order to isolate the electrical interference whichcan occur when power-related operations and non-power related operationsoccur with some overlap or in close temporal proximity. In oneembodiment, the wireless system can contain at least one powertransmitter device 12F configured for operating to provide powertransmission and two way data communication according to a defaultprotocol, at least one power receiver device 10F configured forreceiving power and data communication; at least one transmittercommunication module 210 which is configured for providing an eventtrigger signal based upon at least one of an event trigger issued by thepower receiver control 274 and an event trigger provided by patientinput to a device 5, such as a patient interface controller; wherein thepower transmitter device 12F is configured for operating according to atleast one event protocol when it receives an event trigger signal whileoperating to provide data communication. Since the power transmitterdevice 12F may not operate to permit communication when the eventtrigger signal is sent, the power receiver device 10F is configured toprovide this signal for a duration defined as sufficient for the powertransmitter device 12F to again provide communication. Synchronous,a-synchronous, event-based power and communication protocols, as well asmixtures of each of these may be used in different situations by awireless data-power network.

Priority-Based Power-Data Communication Protocols.

Use of at least one type of Power-Data Communication Protocol (PDCP)becomes even more important when multiple devices of a wireless networkexchange power and data in a wireless manner. Several PDCPs aredisclosed, each of which can be used separately or which can be combined(and which may have overlapping intervals and features). The PDCPs canbe relied upon at different times, in response to different events, andaccording to the state of the network (number of devices, power/dataneeds of the devices, etc) in order to provide power and/or datatransmission in a manner which allows the wireless network to functionsuccessfully. Although a majority of data and power communication mayoccur in a wireless fashion, particular components of a network can havewired connection, for example, as may exist between a specializedwireless network control card used by a laptop and a plurality of powertransmitter devices.

A ‘tiered receiver’ PDCP can be implemented when there is onetransmitter and at least two receivers. In one embodiment, one of thereceivers has a higher priority level than the other with respect torequesting, selecting, or modifying at least data or power communicationoperations of the system. In another embodiment, priority can beallocated to different receivers at different times, in response to theoccurrence of an event, or as a function of the network state.

A ‘tiered transmitter’ PDCP can be implemented when there are at leasttwo transmitters and at least one receiver. In one embodiment, one ofthe transmitters has a higher priority level than the other with respectto requesting, selecting, or modifying at least data or powercommunication operations of the wireless network system. For instance ifa first transmitter has a higher priority value than a secondtransmitter then the first may designated a “master” transmitter, whilethe other transmitters are “slaves”. This embodiment is usefullyimplemented when the master transmitter can access a clock signal and isalso configured to transmit power only during certain times of day, andis further configured to turn off all slave transmitters so that theirtransmission operations also confer to this schedule. This leads toadvantages such as using less power. In another embodiment, a priority(control) value can be allocated to different transmitters at differenttimes, in response to the occurrence of an event, or as a function ofthe network state. For example, if each transmitter has a motiondetector and one senses motion then the respective transmitter canassume, or be assigned, a higher priority value and may become themaster transmitter. This transmitter is then allowed to communicate“orders” to the slave transmitter such as initiating leaving a ‘lowerpower’ state and transmitting according to a selected protocol. Further,the slave transmitters may be instructed or configured to intermittentlysend data if motion is detected or stop transmitting after a specifiedduration if it is not detected during that duration.

A ‘tiered transmitter-receiver’ PDCP can be implemented when there areat least two transmitters and at least two receivers in a wirelessnetwork system. In one embodiment, one of the receivers has a higherpriority level than the other with respect to requesting, selecting, ormodifying at least data or power communication operations of the system.In another embodiment, one of the transmitters has a higher prioritylevel than the other with respect to requesting, selecting, or modifyingat least data or power communication operations of the system. In afurther embodiment, a transmitter or receiver may have priority over allother transmitters and receivers on the wireless power-data networksystem. In another embodiment, priority can be allocated to differenttransmitters or receivers at different times, in response to theoccurrence of an event, or as a function of the network state.

A ‘tiered transmitter-receiver-device’ PDCP embodiment can further beimplemented when the network includes accessory devices which areneither transmitters, nor receivers, but rather are devices whichcommunicate with these. Accessory devices can also obtain priorityvalues within the network system. For example, in the case of animplanted medical device which communicates with an external patientprogrammer, if the programmer needs to send the implanted device acommand it may send a request signal (e.g., an event signal havingpriority) for power transmission to be stopped from all powertransmitter modules, during data communication operations. In this casea first component of the mixed-network determines that datacommunication is needed between it and a second component of themixed-network and it sends a stop transmission of power request signalto all power transmitter modules which stops power transmission for atleast a selected duration of time. In another case, if an implanteddevice (which can include a wireless power receiver) has issued an alertsignal in response to a detected event, such as epileptiform activity,and needs to provide stimulation therapy to the patient, then it mayalso send an event signal which is a request for halting powertransmission and/or data transmission. This event trigger signal wouldhold priority over other scheduled programs of power/data transmissiondefined by an existing operational protocol.

A ‘fixed-priority’ PDCP embodiment can be implemented in which selectedtimes or intervals are defined for data and/or power communication, orwhere devices of the network simply have constant priority values. FIGS.9A-9C, graphically show protocols that lend themselves to‘fixed-priority’ PDCPs. One example of this type of PDCP comprises theperiodic occurrence of a 30 second power transmission interval which isfollowed by a 10-second data transmission interval. The datatransmission interval may comprise bi-directional communication or maycontain a 5-second interval of power-receiver-to-power-transmittercommunication, followed by a 5-second interval where the direction ofcommunication is reversed. The data transmission interval, can alsoserially include providing a communication interval for each device inthe network (in descending order of priority values assigned to eachdevice) in order to avoid confusion of data streams from devices in thenetwork. Alternatively, power may be transmitted between the hours of 1a.m. and 8 a.m. every day, but not outside of this range, which isdefined within the network as a data communication interval. Anotherexample of a fixed-priority PDCP is a system in which a selectedtransmitter always serves as a master device that operates according toa fixed protocol or which otherwise determines the power/datacommunication operations of the rest of the components of the network.

A ‘dynamic priority’ PDCP embodiment can be implemented in which devicesof the network are allowed to make requests for priority, and priorityvalues which are assigned to different devices can thereby change overtime depending upon the operations, events, and states of the network.When a device has top priority it may allow, delay, or reject a requestfor priority from other components of the network, it may also requestthat the device ask again after a specified interval.

A ‘time-constant priority’ PDCP embodiment can be implemented in whichcommunication related to data and power have priority at differenttimes.

A ‘time-dynamic priority’ PDCP embodiment can be implemented in whichtimes for data and power communication occur in a dynamic manner. Forexample, times may be allocated to data or power communication, orallocated for operations specific to a particular device in the networkin a dynamic manner. For example, priority for a operation can beallocated depending upon state of network. There may be defined a“post-event” network state where an operation such as data communicationhas priority, compared to a ‘standard state’ or ‘default state’ in whichthe network mainly accomplishes the wireless transmission of power.

A ‘fixed-priority’ PDCP embodiment can be implemented in a fixed statenetwork. Fixed state networks operate according to a constant rule set.Priority may be requested and returned by a device, or sequentiallyrequested by multiple devices, but the protocols do not change.

A ‘fixed-priority’ PDCP embodiment can be implemented using a Tieredstate network. Tiered state networks operate according to varying rulesets. Rules for attaining how priority may be requested and returned bya device can change depending upon the state of a network, and prioritymay be assigned to devices related to the state and during sequentialrequests by multiple devices, control is made dependent upon thispriority. For example, a data or power priority state may occur in whichpriority is given to data or power operations, respectively.

In the case where transmission of power was interrupted for an extendedperiod of time, and power levels are low, then transmission/reception ofpower may take priority over (most) data transmissions. For example,power may have priority over data when:

a. a scheduled event does not have enough power to be accomplished;

b. calculations about a scheduled event predict that the event willcause a drop in power to go below a selected minimum value;

c. power has dropped below a selected minimum value; and,

d. a device has stopped communicating data in a manner which has beendefined as a data transmission failure event.

Alternatively, during the occurrence of a data-critical task, powertransmission operations may be halted or delayed. For example, powertransmission may be trumped by data related transmissions if a wirelessdevice is a medical device (or an external patient controller device)which has done at least one of the following:

a. issued an alert signal;

b. initiated a period of sensing of bio-logical data;

c. detected an abnormal medical event;

d. detected an abnormal medical event within a recently defined period;

e. initiated a therapy such as cardiac or neural stimulation;

f. initiated transmission of a data record;

g. initiated a calibration routine;

h. delayed data transmission for a selected maximum period during powertransmissions;

i. initiated an operation defined as having priority over poweroperations; and,

j. initiated an operation defined as having a higher priority value overcurrently pending power operations having lower priority values

k. detected the occurrence patient input event in which the patient hasinitiated an operation which is associated with a data-over-powerpreference.

The PDCPs can be used with systems which are designed to transmit powerusing a first frequency range and data using a second frequency range,or when power and data are transmitted using a first frequency range,where data is transmitted using modulation or pulsing of the powercarrier signal. Additionally, the PDCP can not only determine if poweror data are restricted to certain times, but also can contain parameterswhich dictate how particular antennas are used. For example, two antennacan normally be used to obtain power signals, and if an interrupt signalis obtained which contains a request for data transmission (which has ahigher priority value than the current power operations) then one of thetwo antennae can be reallocated to data transmission operations, ratherthan requiring both antennae to be assigned to handle the datatransmission.

Similar to internet protocols which relate only to data transmissions,the PDCP's can comprise formats which enable handshaking to occur. Forexample, an interrupt request sent by a module of a network may beformatted to contain the following information: module identificationnumber; priority value of request; duration of request; interruptible;request type; qualifier #1; checksum info. The module identificationnumber identifies the module of at least one module which exists in thenetwork and may also identify if it is a transmitter or receiver module.The priority value of the request is a value which is programmable andwhich can be compared to the priority values of current or pendingoperations in order to determine how it will be processed (e.g.,rejected, accepted, and queued). The duration of the request can begiven which tells the other modules how long it will need to operate ifthe event is allowed (this may also be blank if not known).Interruptible is a parameter that relates to whether, once started theprocess is allowed to be interrupted (this may also have a value whichcan be set so that if other operations with priority values above aselected value occur, then these can interrupt the proposed operation).Request type can relate to whether this is a data or power transmissionoperation, and whether it is requesting partial, or full, allocation ofreceiving or transmitting antennae. Qualifier #1 can include fields ofadditional information which can used in a programmable fashion, andwhich can be stored, and may include error messages, systems checks,system calibration parameter values such as constants, and the like.Checksum info can be included and can contain data and integrity checksas well as beginning and end-of-transmission codes. Checksum info canalso contain timing pulses or timing information which can be used toensure that two or more modules of a wireless system remainsynchronized. Even in the case where clocks differ, the timing pulsescan be used to create adjustment coefficients in order to reestablishsynchronized operation. This is important when fixed or time-constantprotocols are used when data and power are only transmitted atdiscretely defined intervals.

‘Resource based protocols’ can also be provided. One example of such aprotocol occurs when a patient wears a portable energy transmitter,which may be configured with an antenna in order to efficiently transmitRF energy to an implanted device, and which may also use an antenna forimproved energy reception. The portable energy transmitter PT1 12 a cansense local fields of signal energies S2 which are transmitted from aremote power transmitter, and can complement or supplement this energyS2 with its own transmitted energy S4 if the transmitted energy S2 doesnot meet a criteria such as being above a selected level and further notoccurring above this level for a specified period. The portable energytransmitter may also be powered by energy signal S2 of the remotetransmitter (and/or can only use its own battery), but can obtain bettersignal strength than an implanted device and thus usually harvest energymore efficiently. In this manner, the portable energy transmitter cansupplement the signal S2 with its own transmitted energy S4, and furtherserve as an “amplifier” or “relay” for remotely transmitted energy S2 byharvesting it (and possibly storing it), and then re-transmitting it.When an external patient device is used in addition to an implantabledevice, these two devices may be powered from two different transmittedsignals S2 a, S2 b in order to decrease the risk of one deviceeffectively shadowing the reception of the other device. Further, thismay be an advantage since lower frequency signals can be transmittedinto the patient's body better than high frequency signals, while higherfrequency signals can require smaller harvesting antennae and be bettersuited for sending energy to external devices.

The above described protocols can be implemented by protocols which areinitiated from an external patient controller device (EXD). The EXD canhave features such as those described in co-pending U.S. applicationSer. No. 11/710,902 entitled “Systems and methods of medical monitoringaccording to patient-state’. As such, the EXD can provide the patientwith alarms related to power usage and recharging and obtain patientinput which guides the operation of the wireless power system inresponse to the patient input. For example, the patient may use the EXDto start, stop, increase, decrease, or otherwise adjust the powertransmission operations of the transmitter and power harvestingoperations of the receiver. The EXD may automatically issue ‘powertransmission start’ and ‘power transmission stop’ commands whichactivate or deactivate one or more transmitters according to a time ofday, an operation which is to be carried out by the implanted device, arecent history of power harvesting, a patient environment (e.g., thepatient will be entering an environment with unique power signatureswhich may be related to security scanning or medical testing) or inresponse to patient input. The EXD can also issue commands, and/orrequests for approval, to both power transmitters and implantedcomponents that acutely change the state of the components of thewireless power network such as ‘power transmission start for 30seconds’, ‘power transmission stop for 30 seconds’, ‘change to preferredpower transmission protocol #2’, ‘enter low-power state’, ‘enterhigh-power state’. The EXD can also be configured to work with sensorsin a patient's home to enable power transmitters to adjust theirtransmission characteristics based upon the location of the patient soas to optimize energy transmission. Calibration and adjustment fordifferent clocks which reside within external and implanted devices mayalso occur under the control of the EXD, which can also transmitwireless clock signals to assist in synchronizing operations of thesedevices.

Powerless Calibration Using Device Codes, Automatic Indexing and OtherManners.

Wireless power networks in both public and private settings should beable to provide power to an ever expanding set of new devices.Individual devices may have different protocols for wirelesscommunication of power and/or data, and the wireless transmitters shouldbe able to adapt to these protocols. In an illustrative example thewireless transmitter component is realized in the form of a device whichis a computer accessory. As a user introduces each new device into thewireless network environment the power transmitter should be able toaccommodate the data/power transmission protocol required by the newdevice. Several methods may be implemented, each having severalvariations that may be used to ensure proper network function. FIG. 1Bcan be adopted to the steps of this method. The first step to identifythe device to the wireless power network as may occur by: having thedevice issue a protocol signal 402 to the network which indicates thetype of wireless protocol which it expects; having the device issue aprotocol signal 404 to the network which indicates the actual parametersof the wireless protocol which it expects; having the user manuallyconfigure the protocol using a software program; having the usermanually configure the protocol using a physical device such as a CD,Flash-memory device, or other accessory which contains the protocolinformation. The second step is to select or adjust the wirelessprotocol and configure at least one transmitter of the wireless powernetwork to achieve this wireless protocol 406A as may occur by:adjusting the power/data communication protocol according to a signalreceived from the device based on the protocol type; adjusting thepower/data communication protocol according to a signal received fromthe device based on the protocol parameters provided by the device; and,via ‘automatic indexing’ achieved by adjusting the power/datacommunication protocol according to a signal received from the devicebased on the protocol type, and further, obtaining the correct protocolfrom computer memory or by using the internet to access a pre-definedwebsite which hosts this information and which can communicate with thewireless power network. Further, when the wireless network is managed bya computer, a user may be able to select protocols for differentdevices, select which devices have the highest priority for power/datacommunication, and resolve device conflicts, when certain devices do notwork well when powered by the same network. In one example, a wirelesskeyboard is purchased by a user. When the user returns home the deviceemits an ‘identification code’ signal 402 to the wireless network suchas A1432′. The wireless power transmitter 99B receives this code andtransmits it through the USB 105 into the computer where software thenautomatically uses the internet to lookup the wireless protocol for an‘A1432’ device, so that it may adjust its operation 406A to communicatepower/data to the device at least a portion of the time. This type of‘identification code’ can be used to quickly identify new devices towireless networks, to power-pads, and the like in order to customize theoperation of these wireless transmitters.

Wireless System Calibration, Timing, and Communication.

Similar to electrical transformers, the transmission or harvestingcomponents of wireless system can include electronic or physicalswitches which toggle operation for either 50 Hz or 60 Hz environments.For example, system components 10A,12A can transmit or receive energy ateither 50 Hz or 60 Hz, and can also use either frequency as a timingsignal (rather than requiring an internal clock). Alternatively,components of the system 12A can transmit at submultiples or multiplesof the mains energy, so that a 5 or 10 Hz signal is generated by beingtriggered by every 10 (12), or 5 (6), cycles of the power-line energywaveform. Wireless power can be adjusted by the PTC 39B in relation toharmonics of the power-line frequency, for example, 300 Hz may beobtained by operating upon every ⅙ (or ⅕) segment of the wavelength ofthe AC power source. Setting a start-time using the maximum or minimumof the mains-line energy can subsequently enable synchronization ofevents at faster than 1/60 sec since the error of the time chosen formaximum voltage should be much less than that. Utilization of mainsenergy as a calibration signal is useful for synchronization and timingpurposes when multiple transmitters 12A, 12B are implemented, since thiscan occur without requiring as much communication between the devices(e.g. without one device sending a trigger related to a particular phasevalue). By setting the phase of the transmitted signal relative to thephase of a peak of the 60 Hz signal, the need for sending timingsynchronization pulses between transmitters can be fully obviated. Forexample, a first transmitter can use the PTC 39B to synchronize to peakof the 60 Hz signal, and the second transmitter can shift the phase ofthe transmitted signal, one or more times, in order to attempt toincrease power reception via improved summation of the signals.

When the wireless power system contains a plurality of components (e.g.,multiple power transmitters 12A,12B and/or power relays and/orcontrollers which control and coordinate activity of system components),a portion of which can be plugged into wall outlets such as using plugs104, then inter-component communication can occur over the mains-lineitself. For example, using a home's existing electrical wiring (orexisting Ethernet, coaxial, USB, Firewire, optical, or other‘wire-based’ networks), communication can occur via Ethernet or othercommunication protocol (for example, using a PowerLine HD EthernetAdapter selected to be the DH.P-300 from D-Link). This strategyfacilitates wired communication of timing and data signals betweenwireless system components. Wired communication can be useful inapplications for which a mobile device is transported throughout astructure such as a home or factory. For example, information aboutsuccessful wireless power transmission can be relayed from transmitter12A to transmitter 12B as the device 5 moves into the zones of differenttransmitters. Although transmission of power and data has been realizedwithin wireless systems using multiple modalities (e.g., radiowaves,light, laser, and ultrasound), so that the power/data transmissionoccurs without issues of destructive interference, wired embodiments canoffer advantages. Use of the power-line, as may be interfaced/monitoredby plugs 104 and the PTC 39B for providing timing and data communicationbetween several power/data transmitters is an advantage of the currentinvention. Either the AC signal itself, or signals sent using thephysical wires used to transmit the mains power AC within a building canbe used to adjust the power and data transmission characteristics ofsignals transmitted by the transmitters, and can be used to synchronizecomponents 12A, 12B of the wireless network. This type of physicalconnection can serve to provide redundant data communication (wherewireless and wired communication occur approximately simultaneously) ora backup/secondary type of communication when a first type, such aswireless data communication fails. Further, if solely relied upon, the‘wired’ communication can act to reduce power, heat, and cost associatedwith wireless transmission of both power and data when these requireseparate antennae. In certain environments, such as medical wards, a‘wired’ communication may be required by law or policy.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to wireless power andcommunication systems, and more particularly to a ‘mixed network’ whichincludes both power-line and wireless communication of both power anddata. A mixed network may include a ‘network controller’ PTC 39B and atleast one ‘network node’ allowing remote-based wirelessaccess/transmission with various wireless devices. Data and power can berelayed using existing power lines, wireless means, or both. The networknodes 12B may provide wireless power and data communication to wirelessdevices while the power lines provide communication between the networknodes and at least one network controller PTC 39B which may be connectedto a wireless transmitter (which may also be able to wirelessly transmitdata). The network controller manages communication between itself andremotely located network nodes, for example, by sending commands,calibration, synchronization data, error messages, and other types ofdata which may normally occur in a network. Two way data communicationis possible if the nodes also transmit data back to the networkcontroller. Additionally, data may be coded so that when it istransmitted along the power-line, it is received only by the node forwhich it was intended. Data may be communicated over a power line,and/or wirelessly, in a manner which is redundant, and approximatelysimultaneous or sequential. Data may also include information relatingto encryption, handshaking, wireless power transmission, deviceinformation, node location, node identification, priority requests andassignments related to prioritizing network operations, access passwordsand control signals related to users, devices, and nodes accessing themixed network.

The mixed network architecture is preferably realized by utilizingsections of existing power-line infrastructure of residential orcommercial sites it may also use alternative ‘line-based’ media such asinternet (e.g. fiber optic, Ethernet cable, coaxial cable). The mixednetwork may relay data along paths which provide both power and data,such as the power-line, or when optical cables are used for data thenpower may be provided by the power-line, with no data component beingtransmitted along that path.

Network ‘relay nodes’ may block access of data communication along aparticular path of the power-line grid in order to provide secure andprivate communication within sections of the network which may bedefined as a particular room, building, or set of structures. Relaynodes may also be used to prevent distortion of communication signalsleakage of signals through power outlets which are not involved in theoperation of the mixed network. Network ‘relay nodes’ may also providefiltering, amplification, attenuation, or other signal processing of thedata which is being transmitted along the power-line infrastructure.‘Relay nodes’ may also receive data from one part of the network andsend the data along other paths of the network, while not sending thedata along other paths (traffic control functions). This can be used into decrease system nodes from receiving data meant for other nodes. Thiscan also be used to define ‘active’ zones, such as those which may existin a security or alarm system.

The mixed network may use network nodes to provide remote devices withwireless power and data to achieve internet access, mobile telephoneoperation, streaming media, surveillance, and other functionality andthis may occur as a function of floor, apartment, room, or section of astructure, which may also be defined for public areas (e.g. train-car,airplane seat, table of a restaurant, elevator etc). A ‘data link’ isformed between two components of the network which communicate using atleast one communication medium. Some network nodes provide communicationbetween the controller and devices using such protocols as: IP networkprotocol (IP); packet routing; signal processing; andmodulation/demodulation, handshaking, and other protocols as are known.Protocols may include routines which encode, encrypt, modulate,demodulate, decrypt, and decode data signals.

Calibration and adjustment related to sending and receiving signals canimprove system performance. In one method the first step includesoperating a PTC 39B to send a signal that a calibration routine will beinitiated, the second step includes operating a PTC 39B to send acalibration sequence (e.g. a transmission of calibration signals havingsequential phase values, 1, 2, 3, and 4), the third step is to operatinga PRC 38B obtain the results of the calibration (e.g. the receiverdevice transmits results to the transmission device), and the last stepis to derive the optimum setting based upon the test results. Forexample, a sine-wave function may be fit to the power levels derived bythe calibration routine in order to derive the optimum phase.

However, a calibration routine may not remain useful if a device, suchas a computer keyboard is moved to a different location. There areseveral strategies for creation of ‘calibration triggers’, which areevents which cause a calibration routine to be evoked. For example, if adrop in power reception by the receiving device (e.g. which powers akeyboard) occurs, this may lead to a ‘calibration trigger’. The drop maybe below a specified level which is required for usefully charging thedevice, whereas a drop which decreases power harvesting from ‘excellent’to ‘good’, rather than from ‘excellent’ to ‘poor’ may not trigger arecalibration routine. Rather than simply being applied to phase, thecalibration routine can be applied to the (relative) frequency,direction, transmission antenna, PTU, spectral range, waveshape,strength, or other characteristic of the transmitted signal. It is aparticularly important aspect that the calibration routine may beprogrammed to select the characteristic which is tested in a particularorder, for example, first phase may be iteratively adjusted, and if thiscalibration process does not yield a desired result then the nextcharacteristic, such as frequency of the transmitted signal is adjustedand evaluated. Particular devices, transmitters, and systems can useunique calibration routines which may be stored in the hardware of thesystem (e.g. within ROM of a power transmitter). The PR may transmitfeedback signals related to different characteristics (e.g. level ofpower) of the energy signals which are received during the calibrationroutine, or may only send a feedback signal when power reception above aspecified level is restored. Further, the calibration procedure can beaccomplished, either approximately only within the receiving unit,within the power transmitter, or in both devices and may further requirecollaboration of the devices.

Another strategy relies upon antenna calibration by the power harvester,or power transmitter, or both. The simplest case may be simplycalibration by the power harvester. The harvester may be configured withtwo, or more, antennae which are preferably maximally orthogonallydisposed to each other. These can be configured to capture transmittedor ambient energy which arrives primarily from at least one particulardirection. These antennae can be connected to one or more harvestingcircuits. When connected to a single harvesting circuit, the circuit canselect which subset of the antennae are used for harvesting, for exampleas may occur from time to time, according to a button-press of a user,expiration of a ‘wait period’, due to a signal sent by one or more powertransmitters, or due to a drop in energy harvesting below a certainlevel or above a certain proportion. In this manner, the maximumorientation of the received energy can be adjusted in steps ofapproximately 20 degrees or more. Alternatively, rather than using equalincrements, a binary search strategy may be used (e.g. cut total byhalf, then half of that half, etc). The maximum power reception mayoccur when the transmitted energy and receiving antennae have polaritieswhich are aligned. Rather than adjusting the orientation of theantennae, a user may assist in increasing power harvesting byreorienting the harvesting device itself In this case, an audio signalcan be configured to change volume when device is rotated, as a functionof how much energy is received. In some instances, an audio or visualsignal may be emitted from the wireless harvesting circuit, while inothers the signal may be configured to issue from a cell-phone'sspeakerphone, a computer's speaker, or by a speaker of any other devicewhich is powered by the power receiver module.

When the transmission of power is not needed, or desired, this canresult in an undesired wasting of energy or other unwanted effects.Several strategies can be used to avoid this unwanted effect:

a. devices which rely upon wireless power can be configured to send‘deactivation’ signals when these are deactivated by a user. Forexample, part of a computer going into ‘sleep mode’, the activation ofits screensaver, or being ‘shut down’ can include the operation ofsending a signal to the wireless transmitter to halt operation;

b. The wireless power system can be configured with a motion sensorwhich halts transmission of power when motion is not measured for aselected interval;

c. The wireless power system can be configured with a light sensor whichhalts transmission of power after the lights in the room remain off fora selected interval. This may be particularly useful when wireless poweris used in office environments;

d. The wireless power system can be configured to sense the electricalload on a circuit, such as a circuit which powers a computer and haltstransmission of power when wired power usage is not measured for aselected interval;

e. A wireless device can be configured with a circuit or routine whichsends a signal to the wireless transmitter when it is connected to aphysical link and does not need wireless power. In the case of a laptop,if the user plugs it in then it can transmit a ‘deactivation’ signal toa dedicated power transmitter which normally supplies it with power;

f. The wireless transmitter can be programmed to periodically transmit a‘device query’ signal which must be responded to by a power harvestingdevice emitting a ‘device present’, or ‘device has low power’, for powertransmission to continue, or to be restarted in the case where powertransmission has stopped. Wireless power harvesting devices may send‘device has low power’ or other signals independently, rather thansimply in response to a ‘device query’ signal;

g. The power transmission device can contain a real-time clock and canbe programmed to transmit power according to a defined schedule; and,

h. The power transmitter can send power during a ‘test’ interval. Thereceiving device can determine how much power was received as well asdetermine its power requirements and can transmit a request to the powertransmitter to intermittently transmit power according to a particularschedule and at a particular level. Power transmission therefore occursaccording to provide ‘calibrated consumption’.

These strategies can be programmably implemented within the power system10A,10B,12A,12B, and multiple strategies can be relied upon in aconcurrent or sequential manner, which may be under control of the user,or which may be dictated by the setting (e.g. emergency room) in whichthe wireless transmission is to occur. Further the transmission protocolcan include priority with respect to how to handle situations wheresimultaneously active protocols yield conflicting results. For example,if the lights in a room are off, and power transmission has beencancelled (according to ‘c’), it may be resumed if a (‘device has lowpower’ signal is sent from a local device according to ‘F’).

Improving Performance and Longevity of Wireless Power Supplies

When the wireless power supply is not used much, any rechargeablebatteries that work with a device 5 may experience decreased performanceand longevity. When there is a finite amount of charge held by abattery, de-charging the battery will simply shorten its life andutility. However with wireless power methods, a rechargeable battery canbe discharged and then recharged, for example, in order to provideexercise.

In one embodiment a device using the rechargeable-power supply device 60can have a discharge/recharge module 218 which automatically schedulesdischarging when the device has not been used for a while. In oneexample, the device can cause the rechargeable batteries to periodicallyfully discharge before recharging in order to address “memory effect” ofthe batteries. By fully discharging occasionally, batteries are betterable to maintain the capacity for deep discharge.

Periodic discharging/recharging can assist to deter the formation ofcrystals which ingrain themselves in some types of batteries (e.g.nickel-cadmium) when no exercise is applied for three months or more. Afull restoration with this type of periodically scheduled “exercise”becomes more difficult the longer service is withheld. In advanced cases‘reconditioning’ of the battery is required (e.g., recondition mayentail a slow, secondary discharge applied below the 1 volt/cellthreshold. During this process, the current must normally be kept low tominimize cell reversal). The PRC 38/PTC 39 (or discharge/recharge module218) can therefore be programmed to implement this periodic exercise.Further, the PRC 38/PTC 39 can be designed to shut off rechargingoperations when these are complete in order not to over-charge thebattery. During discharging/recharging operations one battery canprovide energy to the device while the other battery is undergoing thistype of battery conditioning. The PRC 38, may also perform itsdischarging/recharging routine under control of signals sent from apower transmitter 12 (and its discharge/recharge device 268) or otherdevice that communicates with the device 5 within which the powerharvester device 60 is implemented.

Heating and Cooling

In one embodiment, the temperature modules 220,270 can use Peltiercircuits to provide heating or cooling of the rechargeable powersupplies 208,258 in order to alter recharging or operationalperformance. For example, heating a battery can momentarily increase itsoutput by lowering the resistance. Although heating and cooling of thebatteries can be used to change battery characteristics duringoperation, this is not commonly done since thermal regulation requires arelatively large amount of energy. However, an efficient wireless powersupply can permit these types of modulation in temperature to occursince additional power can subsequently be transmitted to therechargeable power source. In order to meet higher power operationaldemands, thermal regulation of the battery may be accomplished from timeto time.

An implantable medical device should normally operate at approximatelybody temperature (e.g., 37 degrees Celsius). In one embodiment, heatmodulation circuitry has an activation point that is set in a rangeslightly above or below 37 degrees (e.g., about 35 degrees to 43degrees). In another embodiment the heat modulation/sensing devices onlyallow operation or recharging to occur as long as battery temperaturesstay within a selected range. In another embodiment the heatmodulation/sensing devices only allow operation or recharging ofparticular sets of selected batteries to occur as long as batterytemperatures stay within a selected range. The device can be configuredto alternate the batteries which are used in order to maintain atemperature of below a selected threshold level. The device can also beconfigured with a thermally active circuit which mechanically respondsto excessive amounts of heat (e.g. by opening a physical contact) inorder to maintain a temperature of below a selected hazard thresholdlimit value.

FIG. 10 illustrates a wireless power receiver device 60 which, in thisexample, is configured in the form of a battery. The positive portions54A of multiple battery elements (or elements of a single power supply)can make contact with the positive end of an energy harvester module 62through a multi-stranded positive power pathway 116A which is uniquelyconnected to each positive portion by way of positive power terminals114. The positive power pathway is routed to a positive terminal control112A which can operatively connect the positive battery elements to thepositive output terminal 56A and the positive side of the wireless powerharvester 62. Likewise, the negative battery terminals 54B are uniquelyconnected to a multi-stranded negative power pathway 116B whichcommunicates this power to the negative terminal control 112B forconnection to the negative side of the power harvester module 62 andnegative output terminal 56B. Thermal elements 118 can be situatedbetween pairs of batteries and can be attached to the energy harvestingmodule 62 and can serve to sense temperature and also to modulatetemperature. The wireless power module 60 can be configured to rechargeor operate from the batteries in a manner that regulates the temperaturewithin a selected range. Further the thermal elements 118 can modulatetemperature to achieve desired features related to recharging andoperation. Although embodied in a “battery-like” power-pack design, thecomponents would like be realized in a distributed manner and would beunder control of, and rely upon, a device 5 which was being powered fromthe wireless power supply 60. However, if the thermal elements 118 areconfigured so that when these are heated they break a ‘circuit’ (whichmay be a chemically-responsive circuit-like property of fluids used inthe wireless power supply, a physical property of a capacitance circuit,or which may be accomplished using various forms of MEMs technology),and halt power storage in particular cells of the battery, thenimplementation in something the size of a battery is possible. It shouldbe noted that the battery elements can be configured in an alternatingP—N—P manner, or can be organized as P—N—N—P in order that charging ofadjacent cells biases any thermal energy towards the positive ornegative elements. Other geometrical arrangements may also providebenefits. FIG. 11A shows an alternative arrangement to that of FIG. 10and wherein many more power supply elements are used. Use of smallerelements can allow greater flexibility of temporal-spatial rechargingpatterns, and may serve to decrease the temperatures created duringrecharging or operation. FIG. 11B shows an embodiment in which at least3 batteries are used in order to decrease the temperature which wouldoccur when only two are used, since the recharging operations may betemporally—and spatially distributed.

Power Harvesting Circuit Embodiments

FIG. 12A shows an energy harvesting circuit as disclosed in US2006/0164866, to Vanderelli et al. The circuit serves to convert RFenergy into current using a series of taps each ‘tuned’ to different RFfrequencies. The diodes D1-Dx, allow harnessed energy to flow in onedirection only leading to charge buildup of the capacitors. While thisembodiment serves well, the energy derived is related primarily to onehalf of the transmitted frequency that is ‘captured’ by the antenna.

Rather than deriving current using half wave rectification, which occursby implementing the circuit shown in FIG. 12B, a full wave rectifier(FIG. 12C) may have been implemented which would lead to harnessing ofenergy from both sides of the RF ‘zero’ line. Alternatively, the fullwave rectifier shown in FIG. 12D can be used when the energy is centertapped. Further, additional types of ‘polarity reversing’ modules may beused.

Alternatively, the simple half wave rectifier can be built in twoversions with the diode pointing in opposite directions. The firstversion connects the negative terminal of the output directly to thetaps (here functioning as an AC supply) and the 2.sup.nd versionconnects the positive terminal of the output directly to the taps. Bycombining both of these versions of the circuit with separate outputsmoothing (via capacitors) it is possible to obtain an output voltage ofnearly double the peak RF (AC) input voltage. This also provides a tapin the middle which allows use of such a combined circuit to serve as asplit rail supply. Alternatively, one can use two capacitors in seriesfor the output smoothing on a bridge rectifier and then place a switchbetween the midpoint of those capacitors and one of the AC inputterminals. With the switch open this circuit will act like a normalbridge rectifier with it closed it will act like a voltage doublingregulator. By implementing a switch within the circuit, and allowing formore than one type of rectification to occur the energy harvestingoperations can be tailored either to the types of RF which are received(in order to improve energy harvesting) or to the type of powerrequirements of the device which is being powered, or thecharacteristics of the power storage supply, or both. Such a circuit maybe useful, since power may be obtained from a half-wave rectifier than afull wave rectifier circuit when the signal is not centered (i.e.offset).

In addition to having fixed taps, the functional “location” or resonanceof the taps may be adjusted using programmable resistors which arefunctionally connected to at least one portion of the antenna. Thisallows the taps to achieve programmable adjustment, as may be achievedusing the PRC 38, in order to allow these to harness various RFfrequencies which may be ambient in the local environment, due to localor remote sources of RF transmission.

Implantable Embodiments

In addition to the embodiments shown, wireless rechargeable-power supplydevice 60 may include, either within a single enclosure or in adistributed fashion, modules having a battery test circuit, capacitors,battery single-pole double throw (SPDT) switches as well as other typesof switches. In one embodiment, the wireless rechargeable-power supplydevice 60 would charge a first primary battery 64A having chemistryoptimized for high volume density and being able to operate the lowcurrent (<20 ma) electronics, while the secondary battery 64B would havechemistry optimized to provide high current typically >20 ma.

The primary battery could be a lithium thionel chloride battery havingthe high energy density which typically will maintain a low selfdischarge rate so long as the current drain remains below 20 ma and thesecondary battery could be a LiMnO battery which can provide >50 macurrent drain without affecting the battery self discharge rate.Additional batteries which are rechargeable or not can be implementedwithin the design. Battery designs which constitute one type ofpreferable embodiment for use with implanted devices are disclosed andreviewed by U.S. Pat. No. 7,127,293, to MacDonald.

In the case of an implantable power harvester 10A the issue oftransmission through tissue causes immediate obstacles since thetransmitted power is greatly attenuated by tissue. In the case of aneurological device, the antenna may be located approximatelyextra-cranially and can communicate with one or more intracranial orskull mounted neurostimulators. In the case of an implanted cardiacdevice, there is not such convenient location where a relatively largeantenna can be situated. One solution is to utilize the electricalconduits (‘electrodes’ or ‘leads’) which are often used for sensing andstimulation in as reception antenna for power harvesting. Another is toutilize a portion of the outer shell of the device or “can” when this isconductive. If a portion of the can is used for power harvesting, thenthis may be electrically isolated from other parts which are used forstimulation or sensing purposes. Another alternative is to embody anantenna for power reception within the housing of the sheath throughwhich the stimulation/sensing electrodes are fed. In another alternativeembodiment, the antenna may only be situated in a first portion of thesheath which has a larger diameter. In another alternative embodiment,the at least two antenna are situated in a portion of the sheath, andeach antenna and/or respective energy harvesting module which it is apart of, is tuned to receive energy that is transmitted with a specificenergy profile. In another alternative embodiment, the at least twoantenna are situated in a portion of the sheath, and each antenna is apart of a data or power transmission module. In another alternativeembodiment, the at least two antenna are situated in a portion of thesheath, and each antenna can be programmably allocated to serve as apart of a data or power transmission module.

Miscellaneous Commercial Embodiments

A multitude of innovative commercial embodiments for wireless powersystems can be realized. The following provide several examples whichcan provide advantages over what has been described elsewhere:

a. Pads. Whether wireless power is provided via near or far fieldmanner, the charging device may be realized as a charging pad (e.g. asis implemented by Splashpower and Wildcharge). When the pad charges byinduction (see FIG. 13A) the devices can be placed on top of a gridwhich automatically adjusts its charge to the orientation and powerneeds of these devices. Alternatively, a power transmitter can belocated somewhere on the device and can charge devices placed within theboundaries the pad (as well as beyond). In order to improve charging ineither case, the pad may be provided with several features. Firstly, thepad may have a ‘mapping feature’ such as a numbered grid, outlines,tracings, or the like. The mapping feature may simply be graphical, ormay have physical constraints such as beveled or shaped surfaces whichguide placement of devices to be charged. The mapping feature may berelevant to specified devices. In FIG. 13A, the mapping feature isrealized as a numbered grid 360. When a consumer purchases a device,such as a cell phone, the device may have instructions such as: “thisdevice may experience optimum charge by aligning the top portion betweengrid numbers ‘10’ and ‘15’ on a Splashpad or grid numbers ‘7’ and ‘8’ onthe Wildcharge charger”.

In FIG. 13B, the mapping feature is realized as a ‘charging template’362 which is embodied as a foam pad that lies on top of the charging padand is configured for guiding several types of popular devices intocorrect locations (for example, compartments ‘A’, ‘B’, or ‘C’ areconfigured for charging common cell-phones, iPods (or other MP3players), while ‘D’ is configured for charging PDAs or GPS type devices.The OEM's can provide ‘charging templates’ for their devices which canbe used with various commercially available charging pads. The ‘chargingtemplates’ can be designed to fit to the surface of the charging pad, orcan be configured to reside within compartments (e.g. ‘A’) of thecharging template (i.e. if the device is much smaller than compartment‘A’, then the charging template can fit within ‘A’ and can furtherconstrain the device to a portion of the region defined by compartment‘A’. FIG. 13C shows a ‘lock-and-key based template’ 364 in which devicesare configured with wireless power receivers having 1 of several uniqueshapes, wherein the shapes are associated with particular chargingparadigms such as voltage ranges or types of charging. FIG. 13D shows an‘adjustable charging template’ 366 which permits flexibility in thegeometry of the charging templates used for positioning of devices. Inthis case a series of horizontal fasteners 368 and vertical fasteners370 cooperate with a structure 372 that is situated around the perimeterof the charging pad. By adjusting the positions of the fasteners thegeometry of the charging templates can be adjusted to accommodate alarge number of devices. In an alternative embodiment the fasteners maybe oriented so as to permit the constraining to occur according tonon-orthogonal axes which may be of arbitrary shape and orientation.FIG. 13E shows the adjustable charging template of FIG. 13D in asecondary configuration. The charging templates and compartments may berealized in a covered fashion such that the tops of devise are covered,and these covers may also shield the external environment from powerleakage from the pad. In a further embodiment, if the surface of thecharging pad is configured with small radius holes, then ‘pins’ can beinserted according to geometries which will constrain particular devicesin one or more specific locations. The locations of the pins can beidentified by joint provision of a numbered grid and set of coordinatesfor the pins which can be provided by the manufacturer. Further the‘compartments’ or ‘charging templates’ can be configured with pins inorder to reside in particular regions of the charging pad's surface.

b. Charge-sacks. Although wireless transmitters, for either inductive orRF charging, may be made portable there are occasions when it ispreferable to realize a charger in the form of a flexible andlightweight charge-sack. For example, in order to increase rapidcharging the signal can be made larger if it is contained within anisolated/shielded space which is not constrained by transmissionguidelines for open-air transmission. The charge sack can comprise afirst and second flexible surface, a power transmitter, and a powersupply. The first and second flexible surfaces can have inner surfaces,at least one of which houses a power transmitter for emitting thewireless power signal and outer surfaces which are configured to deterleakage of wireless power into the surrounding environment. The powersupply can be at least one of the following: a battery; a wireless powerharvester device (including an inductive coupler for near-fieldrecharging); and, a charging device which is configured with a plug foraccepting either AC power from a wall socket or a DC power from a USBsupply. The first and second surfaces can be partially secured by afastener mechanism, such as a zipper, which may be operativelyconfigured with the power transmitter so that the transmitter onlytransmits power, or only transmits at a particular higher power level,when the fastener is in a ‘closed’ position, as opposed to an ‘open’position. The charge sack further contains an external display, whichmay simply by a red/green diode indicator which displays if charging isoccurring, or, alternatively, the indicator may provide otherinformation about the charging process. The charge-sack surfaces can beprimarily comprised of transparent or translucent material, or may haveregions which allow viewing of internal components. A charge-pack canalso have inner surfaces which have fasteners for fastening particulardevices in place in relation to a portion of the wireless transmitter.Safety, transducer, and other circuitry can be included in thecharge-sack as is known for charging equipment. The charge-sack may bedesigned to reside within a briefcase, piece of luggage, or otherarticle used for storage of electronic devices. c. Charge-cases.Briefcases which are configured for wireless power transmission andreception can be known as charge-cases. Charge-cases have eithertransmission or reception antenna, or both, incorporated within theirstructures, as well as providing power harvesting modules in someinstances. For example, the sides of a brief-case can be configured tohold plate-type antennae which are used to provide a large surface forpower reception or transmission. The briefcase can also be figured withan AC or other type of connector which is configured for receiving powerinput to power a wireless transmitter device. d. Outlet near-fieldchargers. Outlet near-field chargers are configured for being pluggedinto an AC socket and securing a rechargeable device so that it remainsproximate to a power transmitter surface. When the wireless transmitteroperates via induction, the securing component acts to secure the deviceto be charged relative to the inductive surface. The securing componentcan include a slot which allows a the device to be charged to be slidinto the proper location for charging; a set of straps which can beadjusted via Velcro or other adjustable means or which are flexible(elastic) and which can be used to strap the device into place along thecharging surface. The securing component can otherwise be configured toretain one or more devices off of the floor below the outlet. Outletnear-field chargers may also utilize a flexible charging bag which hangsfrom, and receives energy from, the charger and into which the devicesto be charged are placed. Alternatively, a flexible surface such as arubber pad including induction surfaces may be rolled down the wall andonto the floor, or may be connected to the outlet charger via a chord.The flexibility of the “charge bags” or “flexible pad” is important forincreasing portability. e. Vehicle lighting and accessories. Thewireless power system can be implemented to provide power vehiclelighting, either directly or by way of a rechargeable battery attachedto the back of each light. Vehicular lighting includes external lightssuch as headlights, undercarriage lights, brake-lights, side-markerlighting, fog lamps, cornering lamps, turn signal lighting, licenseplate lighting, accessory brake-lights for trailer-rigs, dual beam or‘2-filament-based lighting’, and LED-based lighting. Vehicular lightingalso includes a ‘centre high-mount stop’ light which is used to indicatebraking. Vehicular lighting also includes internal lighting such as adome light, puddle lights, and convenience lights under the hood and inthe trunk. Vehicular lighting also includes lighting which resides uponwheels which may provide either functional (e.g. these can be set toblink similar to a turn signal) or purely entertainment value. Use ofwireless power for providing vehicular lighting obviates the need forrunning electrical wires throughout the vehicle. Two or more wirelesspower transmitters can transmit power to the front and back of thevehicle, and relay modules can harvest the power and re-transmit thepower to localized areas of the vehicle or can route the power intolocalized harnesses which are used to physically provide power to nearbydevices such as lighting devices. In the case of the front headlights,two different frequencies can be used to transmit power to the circuitswhich power the left and right lights. In a first embodiment, when aturn signal operation is initiated by the driver, a ‘turn-signalprotocol’ is implemented by the transmission of power wherein the powerof these two frequencies is temporally adjusted (stopped and started, oralternation between low and high power transmission intervals) in orderto cause the light to blink until the driver's movements cause the‘turn-signal protocol’ to be halted. In a second embodiment, power iscontinuously transmitted and data signals are also transmitted to datareceiver circuitry attached to the lights in order to control the lightsto blink according to the instructions sent in the data. Additionally,different power transmitters can be used to power lights for left/rightsides, and front/back areas of the vehicle, such that 4 transmitters areused, one for each corner of the vehicle. f. Price-displays. Wirelesspower/data transmission systems can be incorporated into price displaytechnology such as that used in department and grocery stores. Thedisplay can be powered by wireless power in order to receive, store, anddisplay price information, for example, using a small crystal-displaypanel. A central computer can be used to store current pricing. In oneembodiment, since both power and data are transmitted wirelessly and areunder control of the central computer, price displays for particularproducts are updated automatically. In this embodiment, the pricedisplays contain RFID technology in which each price-display has aunique ID number associated with a product. This allows the centralcomputer to send relevant information to the price displays forparticular products. In an alternative embodiment, a hand-heldtransmitter can be operationally connected to a central computer inorder to receive price information and can then be manually positionedby a clerk and used to beam new prices to the displays. The handhelddevice can transmit data locally so that only a price-display that isvery near will be altered, can designed to communicate particularinformation to particular RFIDs, or can be designed to use an infraredscanner for scanning a barcode of a product or a barcode associated withthe price-display and then transmitting the pricing information in awireless manner such as using RF energy, infrared energy, or the like,and the price display device can be configured to receive this wirelessdata. Alternatively, the handheld device can have a touch-pad forentering price information, which can be transmitted when the clerkpresses a ‘transmit’ button. Price-displays can also contain circuitryand modules which require security codes prior to alternation of priceinformation in order to decrease the chance of fraud or manipulation ofthe displayed information by non-registered users. Wireless pricedisplays can be realized as displays which are: attached to individualproducts sold in a store; attached to the shelves which stock theproducts which are sold; and attached to terminals at the end of theisles where products are stored.

The presently described embodiments of the wireless power charging andharvesting systems and methods offer advantages over prior art. Althoughmodifications and changes may be suggested by those skilled in the art,it is the intention of the inventor to embody within the patentwarranted herein all changes and modifications as reasonably andproperly come within the scope of their contribution to the art. Allprior art cited, including internet address references, are incorporatedby reference herein as if recited fully. The titles, headings, andsubheadings provided in this specification are provided fororganizational purposes only and are not meant to restrict the inventionin any way, nor to limit material described in one section from applyingto another section as would be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Although certain methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture havebeen described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. To the contrary, this patent covers all methods,apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scopeof the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine ofequivalents. The preferred features of the invention are applicable toall aspects of the invention and may be used in any possiblecombination. Throughout the description and claims of thisspecification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of thewords, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, mean “including but notlimited to”, and are not intended to (and do not) exclude othercomponents, integers, additives or steps. The term ‘antenna’ can referto multiple ‘antennae’ and can refer to a ‘rectenna’. While theinvention has been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments forthe purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail issolely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention except as it may be described by the following claims.

I claim:
 1. A remote device with wireless power receiver comprising: afirst wireless power harvesting circuit optimized for harvesting a firstwireless power signal from a first wireless power source; a secondwireless power harvesting circuit optimized for harvesting a secondwireless power signal; wherein said first wireless power signal and saidsecond wireless power signal are different types of wireless powersignals; a load configured for receiving harvested wireless power; and,a communication/control module designed to be programmed to providecontrol over signals sent from the first wireless power harvestingcircuit and the second wireless power harvesting circuit to the load, orother component, of the remote device with the wireless power receiver.2. The remote device with wireless power receiver of claim 1, whereinthe first wireless power harvesting circuit is optimized for wirelesspower harvesting from at least one of the following list of wirelesspower sources: electromagnetic near field; electromagnetic far field; anRF field broadcast from an electrical mains; ambient RF energy; energytransmitted from a transmitter which is configured to transmitinformation on the transmission protocol; and, wherein the secondwireless power harvesting circuit is optimized for harvesting wirelesspower from one of the remaining wireless power sources in the list ofwireless power sources.
 3. The remote device with wireless powerreceiver of claim 1, wherein the communication/control module isprogrammed to control which of the first wireless power harvester andthe second wireless power harvester provides power to the remote deviceat least in part based on one of the following group: a characteristicof power available to the first wireless power harvesting circuit; acharacteristic of power present in the second wireless power harvestingcircuit; the relative power available to the first harvesting circuitcompared to the second harvesting circuit; a command sent from thedevice; a selection made by a user of the device; information providedby an energy profile module; and, information transmitted by a least onewireless power transmitter.
 4. The remote device with wireless powerreceiver of claim 3, wherein the characteristic of power present on thefirst wireless power harvesting circuit is at least one of: efficiencyof power harvesting; magnitude of charge harvested, an energy profilecalculated for at least one power signal, a pattern of at least onewireless power signal, and data communicated through a pattern of atleast one wireless power signal.
 5. The remote device with wirelesspower receiver of claim 1, wherein the communication/controller moduleis programmed to control which of the first wireless power harvestingcircuit and the second wireless power harvesting circuit provides powerto at least one load of the remote device based at least in part on acharacteristic of the load.
 6. The remote device with wireless powerreceiver of claim 1, wherein the communication/control module isprogrammed to control which of the first wireless power harvestingcircuit and the second wireless power harvesting circuit provides powerto the load of the remote device based at least in part on communicationbetween the communication/control module and one of the group of: thedevice, and a communication module of a power transmitter.
 7. The remotedevice with wireless power receiver of claim 1, wherein thecommunication/control module is programmable to do at least one of thefollowing: provide power from both the first wireless power harvestingcircuit and the second wireless power harvesting circuit simultaneouslyto at least one load, select which of the first and second powerharvester provides power to the load; select a module in the powerreceiver to which at least some of the power is routed.
 8. The remotedevice with wireless power receiver of claim 1, wherein thecommunication/control module is programmed to control which of the firstwireless power harvesting circuit and the second wireless powerharvesting circuit provides power to the load of the remote device basedat least in part on at least one of: data calculated upon a recentsample of energy harvesting and characteristics of the charge capabilityof at least one wireless power signal.
 9. The remote device withwireless power receiver of claim 1, wherein the communication/controlmodule is programmed to control which of the first wireless powerharvesting circuit and the second wireless power harvesting circuitprovides power based upon information related to at least one powertransmission scheme implemented by at least one power transmitter.
 10. Aremote device with a wireless power receiver comprising: an adjustablepower harvester selectively configurable between a first configurationoptimized for wireless power harvesting of a first signal from a firstwireless power source and a second configuration optimized for wirelesspower harvesting of a second signal; a load; and, acommunication/control module designed to programmably configure theadjustable power harvesting between the first configuration and thesecond configuration and to provide control over signals sent to theload, or other component, of the remote device with wireless powerreceiver.
 11. The remote device with wireless power receiver of claim 10wherein the adjustable circuit is a rectenna circuit configured so thatthe resonance of the taps is provided to be selectively configurableusing programmable resistors.
 12. A far field wireless power systemcomprising: a remote device including a first antenna for harvesting RFenergy; a far field wireless power source having a low power mode and anRF energy transmission mode, the far field wireless power sourceconfigured to utilize less power during low power mode than during powerRF energy transmission mode; and wherein the remote device and the farfield wireless power source communicate using a communication signal toenable the far field wireless power source to change between a low powermode and an RF energy transmission mode.
 13. The far field wirelesspower system of claim 12 wherein the remote device initiates thecommunication signal, the far field wireless power source receives thecommunication signal and in response to a characteristic of thistransmission does one of providing or inhibiting transmission of farfield wireless power.
 14. The far field wireless power system of claim12 wherein the far field wireless power source transmits thecommunication signal, the remote device receives the communicationsignal and communicates with the far field wireless power source to atleast one of provide or inhibit transmission of far field wirelesspower.
 15. The far field wireless power system of claim 12 wherein thefar field wireless power source further includes providing the sourcewith a controller that will shut off RF power transmission if a “poweroff” event occurs, such event selected from the group of: a selectedinterval occurs during which no communication is received from theremote device; an interval related to a time of day occurs; a motionsensor does not indicate motion across a selected period; a “devicepresent” communication is not received from the remote device across adefined interval, and, communication attempted with the remote devicefails to evoke a response from the remote device.
 16. The far fieldwireless power system of claim 12 wherein the far field wireless powersource in the low power mode operates to enable reception of a signalsent from a remote device and is provided with circuitry that triggersan exit of the low power mode in response to a reception of the signalthat the remote device has requested wireless power.
 17. The far fieldwireless power system of claim 12 wherein the far field wireless powersource shuts off or reduces wireless power supply during low power mode.18. The remote device with wireless power receiver of claim 1, whereinthe communication/control module controls charging operations in aprogrammable manner in accordance with control signals that are sentfrom the first wireless power source which is a wireless transmitterconfigured to provide communication with and control of the remotedevice.
 19. The remote device with wireless power receiver of claim 1,wherein the first wireless power harvesting circuit is optimized forwireless power from at least one of the following list of wireless powersources: electromagnetic near field; electromagnetic far field; an RFfield induced by an electrical mains; ambient RF energy; and, whereinthe second wireless power harvesting circuit is optimized for harvestingwireless power from the same type of wireless power source in the listof wireless power sources, and this same type of wireless power sourcehas a different energy profile than the first wireless power signal. 20.The remote device with wireless power receiver of claim 1, wherein thedevice is further configured with circuitry to adjust power harvestingcharacteristics in order to improve wireless power harvesting accordingto at least one of the following methods: operating a power calibrationroutine to evaluate at least two power harvesting parameter values andselecting the value that produced better power harvesting for subsequentenergy harvesting; operating a power calibration routine in combinationwith a power source that is a power transmitter that can communicatewith the device; receiving a signal from the first power source whichprovides information about how the power harvesting should be adjustedin order to provide power harvesting well suited for the signal thatwill be transmitted by the power source; sending information to thewireless power source which identifies a wireless power transmissionprotocol that can be used by the wireless power source in order toprovide wireless power transmission using a protocol that is well suitedfor a viable harvesting protocol of the device.